9. War between France and Britain Flashcards
The objects of colonial rivalries
Since the early 17th century, France and England wanted to increase their power and influence in their colonies. In North America, both European powers wanted control of the fur trade and expand territory. By the 1700’s, both colonies had claimed territories in the Hudson Bay. The English grew demographically and needed more space to settle colonists, farm and hunt.
Conflicts provoked
Since 1713, New France had expanded its territory all the way south to Louisiana which cut off the British from expanding their territories. In 1690, the Hudson’s Bay company and the British both established a monopoly on the fur trade in the same area. The British called this Rupert’s land.
Conflicts in Europe and Consequences in North America
From the end of the 17th century to the middle of the 18th century, France and England fought each other in 4 wars. The colonies were subject to the mother country, so they had to participate in wars and lay down arms when surrenders were drawn.
The state of France in 1668
France was possessed one of the strongest militaries in the world. King Louis the XIV and France got most of their power from the Franco Dutch war (war between French and Dutch). The “Sun-King” wanted everyone in France to convert to have more power. The only difficulty to secure France’s borders was to expand the territory.
France expands their territory
Because of his power, King Louis the XIV saw to threaten bordering countries and take their land to strengthen France. He argued that if he has all the power, no one would want to mess with him. That idea was rejected and lead to European countries, including England, grouping together to rise against France to stop their territorial expansion.
First Conflict: the war of the League of Ausburg (1689-1697)
In 1689, several European states, including England, formed an alliance to end the conquest of King Louis the XIV. The conflict extended into north America and the colonies. The French and Native allies attacked the British, using guerilla warfare (small sneak attacks). Britain failed to capture Montreal and Quebec. Peace was made in 1697 with the Rijswijk Treaty.
Frontenac (1622-1698)
Frontenac was the Governor General tasked with military leadership before the Ausburg War. He successfully defended Quebec City from the British in 1693. He was the only governor to serve twice and was noted for his negotiation skills. He was criticized by members of the sovereign council and clergy and was accused of using his power to profit from the fur trade. He was also responsible for bringing in First Nations and was a supreme diplomat.
Second conflict: the war of Spanish succession (1701-1713)
In 1701, the decision of the next person to take the Spanish throne triggered a second war which also extended into North America, where they were ready for war. If there was no son to take the throne, they took the next family member or nephew. In 1711, Britain marched on Montreal by land for the second time and sent a large naval fleet to Quebec City. Once in the St-Lawrence river, part of the fleet sank because the narrowness of the river couldn’t fit all boats through. 700 men died in the water and the invasion was abandoned. The army also retreated because of the failures of Quebec. The British also attacked parts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
The signing of the treaty of Utrecht
In 1713, the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht ended the war in Europe and the war between French and English colonies. Under the treaty, part of Acadia (located in Nova Scotia, New France) as well as other territories in New France were given to the British. They made a small British fort in Acadia that held British army.
Third Conflict: the war of Austrian succession (1744-1748)
Thirty years after the signing of the Utrecht, conflict over the succession of the Austrian throne sparked another war in Europe. France and Britain were on opposing sides, so since Austrian allied with the British, the French was upset and fought. In New France, the key event was the capture of Louisbourg (big fortress city that relied on dockside economy). The war ended with the signing of the Aix-la-Chapelle treaty in 1748. There was no territorial change for the colony and Louisbourg was returned to New France.
