Tensions between Britain and France before 1756

Question 1

Which territory had Britain and France been competing over in North America?

Answer 1

West of the Appalachians/ Ohio River Valley

Question 2

When did the War of Austrian Succession begin?

Answer 2

1740

Question 3

What advantages did British colonists have over French colonists during the War of Austrian Succession?

Answer 3

• Outnumbered the French by nearly 15:1
• France struggled to supply its colonies due to the British Royal Navy

Question 4

What advantages did French colonists have over British colonists during the War of Austrian Succession?

Answer 4

French alliances with Native Americans limited British expansion

Question 4

Which settlement was captured by British colonists during the War of Austrian Succession?

Answer 4

Louisburg in 1745

Question 5

Which Treaty ended the War of Austrian Succession?

Answer 5

The Treaty of Aix-La-Chappelle 1748

Question 6

Why did the Treaty of Aix-La-Chappelle not resolve tensions in North America?

Answer 6

• Colonists viewed it as a temporary truce
• No land was gained by the colonists despite defeating the French
• Louisburg was returned to France which angered colonists

Question 7

How many British troops were in North America at the end of the War of Austrian Succession?

Answer 7

Around 500

Question 8

What did the Albany Congress 1754 set out to achieve?

Answer 8

Intercolonial co-operation on a joint Native American policy

Question 9

What did the Albany Congress 1754 achieve?

Answer 9

• No agreement with Native Americans
• Permanent inter-colonial confederation
• Benjamin Franklin’s proposal to unite 11 of the colonies

Question 10

Why did Benjamin Franklin’s plan at the Albany Congress not succeed?

Answer 10

All colonial legislatures rejected the plan fearing for their own autonomy

Question 11

Why did tension emerge between Britain and France in the early 1750s?

Answer 11

Speculators in Virginia were granted 200,000 acres of land in the Ohio Valley by the British government.

Question 12

Which fort did British settlers build on the newly acquired land in the Ohio Valley?

Answer 12

Fort Prince George

Question 13

How did the French respond to British expansion in to the Ohio Valley?

Answer 13

• Built a series of forts
• Took over Fort Prince George (renamed Fort Duquesne)

Question 14

Which Virginian commanded a force to stop French expansion in the Ohio Valley?

Answer 14

George Washington

Question 15

What was the result of Washington’s expedition to the Ohio Valley?

Answer 15

He was forced to surrender

Question 16

Where did the ‘four-pronged attack’ to secure the frontier after Washington’s defeat target?

Answer 16

• Ohio Valley
• Fort Niagara
• Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point
• Nova Scotia

Question 17

Where was the only success in the ‘four-pronged attack’?

Answer 17

Nova Scotia - all other attacks were defeats for the British

Question 18

Why was Britain in a position of weakness by 1756?

Answer 18

• Failed to adapt to a new type of warfare
• Failed to secure Native American support
• Colonial troops did not perform well
• Civil administrators lacked military expertise

Question 19

When did Britain declare war on France (starting the 7 Years’ War)?

Answer 19

1756