The American Journey © 2007

"The French and Indian War"

Introduction
In this chapter you read about the growing prosperity of the colonies, the developing colonial governments, and ideas that influenced colonial thinkers. All of this was accompanied by a physical growth across the Appalachian Mountains into territory that was claimed by France. Inevitably, conflict followed. The French and Indian War lasted from 1754 to 1763 and set the stage for events that would develop into the American Revolution. The battle at Fort Necessity was the opening battle of the French and Indian War.

Destination Title: Fort Necessity National Battlefield

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Directions
Start at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield Web site.

• Click on the link The Fort Necessity Campaign on the left side of the screen.
• Scroll down to read about the conflict.

1			Describe the location of Fort Necessity.
2			What was the significance of the battle at Fort Necessity in George Washington’s military career?
3			Why did Washington build Fort Necessity in late May and early June 1754?
4			Click on the hyperlink “the terms were reduced to writing.” Do you think these terms of surrender were fair? Explain your response.
5			Choose to be either a French or an English news reporter. Write an account of the battle from the point of view that you have chosen. How might a French account differ from an English account?