APUSH
Chapter 6: French colonies
Allen Zhu
1. What were the most significant elements of France’s exploration and colonization of
North America? Why were these significant?
Exploration was caused by and economically based on the beaver trapping (fur trade). This also
led to friction with Indians.
The colony of New France/Canada eventually fell under autocratic royal rule.
Growth was slow since Huguenots were forbidden and others had no reason to move. Most
settlements were simple trading posts, with an occasional fort to check English and Spanish
expansion.
2. What were the long-range causes of the French and Indian War? How was it connected
to a broader conflict?
One primary cause was the struggle for territory – the Ohio Valley in particular. Both the French
and the British colonies were expanding, and that particular tract of land was critical to both.
Another long-term cause was the old rivalry between Britain and France, fueled by religious
differences.
It triggered the worldwide Seven Years’ War, which involved Europe as well as the New World.
3. How did the French and Indian War begin? When?
The French and Indian War began in 1754, when George Washington and 150 Virginia
militiamen skirmished with a small force of French troops. He was forced to surrender after
French reinforcements arrived.
4. What was the Albany Congress and Franklin’s Albany plan of Union?
The Albany Congress was summoned in 1654 in New York to secure an alliance with the
Iroquois and to achieve greater colonial unity for defense against France. Franklin’s Albany plan
was a scheme for colonial home rule, which was embraced by the delegates from seven colonies
but denounced by both the colonies and Great Britain.
5. Explain the elements of the Peace of Paris, 1763. What was the ultimate significance of
this peace?
The Peace of Paris established British colonial superiority. France was removed from continental
North America; it even ceded Louisiana to Spain (although it retained some profitable West
Indies sugar plantations).
6. What were the consequences of the French and Indian War for American-British
relations?
Most consequentially, colonists were put off by arrogant English officers. Simultaneously, it
armed and trained some twenty thousand colonial militia, and demonstrated that the British were
not entirely invincible in North America.
More insidiously, it also revealed disunity within the colonies. Colonies were not willing to
support efforts to defend themselves: providing money, troops, and supporting sactions.
7. Explain the significance of Pontiac’s Rebellion and the Proclamation of 1763.
Pontiac’s Rebellion convinced the British of the need to stabilize Indian-white relations, and to
keep troops stationed in the colonies. The Proclamation of 1763, intended to ameliorate relations,
was viewed as oppressive and largely ignored.