The French And Indian War As A

Cause Of The American Revolution Essay, Research Paper

At the outset of the eighteenth century, the Ohio Valley can identified as the main

catalyst in triggering open hostilities between the French and the Americans. The French

occupied parts of Canada but also wanted a stake in America. Its means to do this was

through the Ohio Valley it maintained. However, the colonists were bound to permeate

this area in their push towards the west. And as they did, competition for the lush lands

flared up and came to a breaking point. This directly lead to the French and Indian War

with the Indians, for the most part, siding with the French against Britain. The events and

sentiments that took place during and immediately after the French and Indian War

(1754-1763) were extremely important in contributing to the outset of the American

Revolution. By looking at the perspectives of the two diverging peoples, it is evident

there is a strong contrast, which lead to increasing tensions.

The intermingling of arrogant British redcoats and the proud colonial militiamen

precariously produced a strong mutual dislike and contempt. The majority of British

officers hated colonial service and took great care to avoid it. After all, America was a

strange wilderness to them. The West Indies specifically were infested with

disease-carrying pests, and fevers were known to kill hundreds of men. Britains found the

colonists uncooperative and very reluctant to serve for their country. Religious minority

groups especially opposed to war “could play hell with appropriations.” (Chidsey) For

example, the Quakers absolutely would not fight to protect their very own homes and

refused to be taxed for a war because they thought, according to their religion, it was

sinful. Most colonists altogether refused to contribute money. It was not until William

Pitt offered to reimburse them a share of the money did they render some wealth, though

not much (Bailey 98). When American recruits finally dribbled in, they were primitive in

military customs. Some even deserted camp, and when they were seized and brought

back to camp, they were whipped. British General Braddock went so far as to forewarn

his soldiers of a penalty of hanging for the next that deserted him.

The colonists, having always thought the British militia to be noble and

indomitable, were shocked at their behavior. The almighty Redcoats were actually

running and hiding in battle times when they should have proved valorous. The British

were probably embarrassed too over a childish rivalry between English generals William

Johnson and Governor William Shirley at Fort Albany. Competition arose because of

Shirley’s greed for Indian allies, and neglecting Johnson simultaneously. They

immaturely wrote secret letters about each other, getting others involved and annoyed. A

factor also contributing to the disappointment of the colonists is how the British

consistently fought a European war instead of a new style war, particularly guerrilla

warfare (based on sneak attack and using camouflage), which limited their success and

sometimes determined failure. Impressment prevailed for part of the war, adding insult to

outrage. Impressment refers to the British sending “press gangs” from their warships to

bring in mariners to serve in the British ships. They received little to no pay, and about

900 of the seamen died leaving their families bereft and embittered (Reeder). With both

the Americans and the English referring to each other as cowardly dogs, conflict became

more personal between people than just between two land areas.

Although still disunited, the colonies were beginning to melt this hindrance,

sometimes without knowing it, to realize they shared more in common with each other

than with those of the mother country. The disunity that had predominated since the

founding of the colonies can be accounted for and understood because of geographical

barriers like rivers and lack of roads, diverse religions, mixed nationalities, various

governments, boundary disputes, social classes, different currencies at altered worths in

each colony, and jealousy. As British Sir Winston Churchhill said, “They were united in

distrusting the home government but in little else.” However, steps were being taken,

sometimes not even purposely, to promote rapport among the colonies. Newspapers, for

instance, not only covered the war effort, but they also promoted a unity of consciousness

for the colonies. Through these reports and therefore awareness, the English were warned

of French troops moving southward from Canada and of the French master plan to

capture the continent in 1753. The Albany Plan of Union was a positive step in achieving

union. The ingenious Benjamin Franklin proposed a layout of creating a central military

fund and appointing a military governor. He was, unfortunately, ahead of his time and the

colonies voted his proposal d

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