Dbq: French and Indian War

DBQ the French and Indian War The French and Indian War is known as an unintentional war sparked by a young George Washington’s actions towards the French ambassador. Both the English and French wanted to obtain control of the Ohio Valley. Each group desired to show their superiority and gain the benefits of the new world. The English and French could not solve their disagreement peacefully, and war was inevitable. The war not only changed the new world forever, but also, Britains relationship between its American colonies.
The relationship between Britain and its American colonies was transformed through the political, economic, and ideological relations, due to the French and Indian War. Britain’s political relations with its American colonies were effected as a result of the French and Indian War. America today, as we know it, would not be the same if the English had not been victorious over the French. The war determined who would gain control of the new world. The maps in Document A show that before the war, the French controlled most of the new land, but after the war, the English had secured the new world as its territory.
It is easy to see that Britains victory over the French helped Britain politically, however; it produced tension with its American colonies. Shortly after the war, England realized what the war had really cost them tons of money they did not have. Britain expected the colonies to help pay the debt from the war, but the colonists felt it was not their responsibility. This controversy contributed to the political strain between Britain and its American colonies.

The French and Indian War altered Britains relationship with its American colonies drastically, as Britain imposed its political authority on the colonists. Britains relationship with its American colonies was not only altered politically due to the French and Indian War, but also through its economy. The British began placing taxes upon the colonists and essentially telling them what they could and could not do and who they could and could not trade with. The colonists were infuriated and felt that the taxation was unjust. Document F states the reason that taxes were placed upon the colonists. The
British Order in Council clearly states that, “we find that the revenue arising there from is very small and inconsiderable,…and is not yet sufficient to defray a fourth part of the expense necessary for collecting it. ” The commissioners said that all the money it took to make the war happen was not paid back through the land acquired; so, as a result, taxes were placed upon the colonists. Another document that supported this claim about financial troubles was Document H. The picture in Document H was meant to show that after the war, Britain faced extremely rough times economically. Some colonists were depressed, sorrowful, and penniless.
The outcome of the French and Indian War damaged Britains economic relations with its American colonies. The American colonies ideological relations with Britain changed after the French and Indian War. All colonists did not view Britain the same way. In documents D and E, two very distinct views of Britain were displayed. The solider in Document D writes. “Therefore we now see what it is to be under martial law and to be with [British] regulars, who are but little better than slaves to their officers. ” The Massachusetts soldier in this document hated Britain and felt they were treated no better than the slaves.
Although, Document E stated, “Here shall our indulgent Mother, who has protected us, be served and honored by growing Numbers, with the Duty, Love and Gratitude, till Time shall be no more. ” Reverend Thomas Barnard said in his sermon that Britain protected them. He felt the colonists should love, honor, and serve Britain forever to show their appreciation. Reverend Barnard viewed Britain as a blessing from God and he loved Britain. The colonists’ views of Britain were not all the same, while some loved and appreciated Britain, but others hated and criticized them.
The French and Indian War completely changed the ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies. As can be seen, Britains relationship with its American colonies was undoubtedly altered due to the results of the French and Indian War. Britains victory over the French came at a cost, as Britain’s grasp on its American colonies began to slip away, and the results of the war changed America as it is known today. The relationship between Britain and its American colonies was altered through the political, economic, and ideological relations, as a result, of the French and Indian War.