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Britain and France
At this time, Britain and France were two of the strongest forces in Europe. They competed for wealth and empire in different parts of the world. This caused a rivalry between France and Britain. They also fought over the Ohio River Valley. -
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France and Britain Clash
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The Six Nations
The Iroquios Confederation initially consisted of 5 Indian nations. The Mohawks, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Onieda. In 1722, when the Tuscarora joined them, the English referreed to them as the Six Nations. -
Hostility Grows at Pickawillany
At this time, hostility was growing between the French and the British. The British built a fur trader's fort called Pickawillany. The French attacked this fort and drove the traders out of Ohio. The French began raiding New England cities. Then, the New Englanders began raiding French forts. -
The British and Confederacy become Allies
The Iroquois became under pressure as the British moved into the Ohio River Valley. Eventually, the Indians gave trade rights to British and became their allies. -
Washington Confronts France for Trespassing
In the fall of 1753, the Governor of Virginia sent a surveyor named George Washington to tell the French they were trespassing. It did no good, and the French ignored him. -
British Build a Fort
In the spring of 1754, the Governor of Virginia assembled a group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies, or a militia. They built it in present day Pittsburgh. When they got there, they found the French had already built a fort there. The militia attacked the French and lost. The soldiers returned to Virginia. -
Representatives Gather to Discuss Threat of War
In 1754, British represenatives gathered to discuss the threat of war. They wanted to defend themselves against the French, and they wanted the Iroquois to support them. They wanted all of the colonies to combine to make one big government. None of the colonies approved, and war began between the British, and the French and Indians.
