The French and Indian War, the North American Portion of the Seven Years' War

1754–1763

The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was the final military contest between Great Britain and France to determine which country would control most of eastern North America.

King George III, Painting

King George III ascended to the throne on October 25, 1760, during the French and Indian War and Seven Years’ War.

French and Indian War Summary

The French and Indian War was the North American portion of a worldwide contest for empire between Britain, France, Spain, and other European nations. In Europe, the conflict is known as the Sever Years’ War.

Most of the fighting in North America took place in Canada and in the Ohio Country, west of the Appalachian Mountains. Both the French and British were allied with different Native American Indian tribes.

Despite early French victories, the British ultimately prevailed with the capture of Quebec, Fort Duquesne, Detroit, and Montreal.

Negotiations at the Treaty of Paris in 1763 virtually expelled France from eastern North America and left Great Britain in control of a vast empire inhabited by hostile Natives and coveted by American colonists eager for westward expansion — a recipe for disaster.

Video — The French and Indian War Explained

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Article Title The French and Indian War, the North American Portion of the Seven Years' War
  • Date 1754–1763
  • Author
  • Keywords French and Indian War
  • Website Name American History Central
  • Access Date September 21, 2023
  • Publisher R.Squared Communications, LLC
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update February 27, 2023

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