The French and
Indian War
Objectives:
The students will…
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Be able to identify the causes of the French and
Indian War
Assess and interpret a political cartoon
Identify and explain the symbolism of Benjamin Franklin’s rattlesnake cartoon
Interpret the significance of the French and Indian War and its impact on America
Materials:
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Map of the French and Indian War
Benjamin Franklin rattlesnake cartoon
Primary Source: The Albany Plan of Union
First Political Cartoons website
Additional Resources:
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Calloway, Colin G. The Scratch of a Pen: 1763 and the Transformation of North
America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Movie: The Last of the Mohicans starring Daniel Day Lewis
Book: James Fenimore Cooper: The Last of the Mohicans free ebook for downloading;
also at the University of Virginia digital collections
Mark Carnes: Past Imperfect: History According to the Movies
Websites:
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University of Virginia Ebook Library is a resource which allows students to access and
download historical letters, novels, fictional books, and other resources
Microsoft Reader is the free software required for reading digital books on a computer
Daryl Cagle’s Political Cartoon webpage
Teacher Guide
Page 1
1. Show the students the map of the French and Indian War.
2. Ask them what they know about this “forgotten” American conflict; why is this war not
remembered today? List their answers on the white board.
a. George Washington was blamed for starting this war
b. There was the first effort for colonial unification (Albany Plan of Union)
c. It was the first war that Britain fought that began in the colonies
d. It was also known as the Seven Years War (1754-1761)
e. Washington and the colonial militia were often denigrated by the British regulars;
these slights were never forgotten by Washington
f. Much of the war was fought in Canada
g. The Treaty of Paris 1763 officially ended the war.
h. James Fenimore Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans is set during this time period.
i. The French were expelled from the North American continent as a result of this
war
j. The British policy of salutary neglect towards the colonies was ended with the
removal of the French threat
k. The stage was set for the political turmoil that would lead to the Revolution
3. (Optional) The opening sequence of the film, Last of the Mohicans, is a good way to
begin this topic. The film was made in the 1990’s and reflects contemporary American
attitudes. It is often interesting to compare and contrast the opening of the film with the
beginning of the actual book (this is available as an etext book at Virginia Ebook
Library). One of the important lessons that students should learn is the importance of
being able to determine historical truth from Hollywood versions of American history.
Mark Carnes book, Past Imperfect, is an outstanding classroom resource.
4. Print out a copy of the Albany Plan of Union.
5. Have the students read and summarize the Albany Plan and then relate it to the Benjamin
Franklin cartoon. Note: The rattlesnake is not dangerous unless bothered or
harassed. It gives a warning before striking but when it does, it is deadly.
6. Have the students print out a contemporary political cartoon and analyze it in terms of its
significance.
Teacher Guide
Page 2
Available on Team Hope Website
Teacher Guide
Page 3
Benjamin Franklin: Published May 9, 1754 in the Pennsylvania Gazette
Teacher Guide
Page 4