French And Indian War Effects

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The French and Indian War had an almost innumerable number of effects on the political, economic and ideological relations between Britain and the American colonies. The war touched the entirety of America’s diverse population; from the Native Americans to the soldiers. Some were gladdened by the invigorated ties to England while others were enraged by the economic situation. There is no doubt that the war truly altered and revolutionized the American colonies. As a rule, the Native Americans are perhaps the most overlooked sector of the population of the colonies. This war completely varied their knowledge of their land and its value. “We know our lands have now become more valuable,” (Document B). No more would they be fooled by the trickery that cheated them of Manhattan Island; no longer were they ignorant to real estate. They opposed the immigrants who settled in their lands, pleading with the colonists to control these squatters lest violence should ensue. “Your people daily settle on these lands…we must insist on your removing them, as you know they have no right to settle,” (Document B). Consequently, this attitude that the Native Americans portrayed may have affected the way Great Britain regarded its newly acquired French land. Great Britain did not want the colonists to settle in the western lands past the Mississippi (Document A). The colonists, however, felt that it was their right to settle these lands. But, whilst the Native Americans were protesting, the British feared more violence from them. They did not willingly allow the colonists to settle the west for this reason and that it would take an enormous effort to organize the land politically. For the most part, soldiers were treated very differently after the war. Britain came out of 1763 with low opinions and expectations of the Colonial military. This resulted in soldiers being “[denied] Englishmen’s liberty,” (Document D). By this, it can be deduced that the British officers had no respect for the Colonials, denying them items such as clothes and liquors. Even after their term was ended, they were “not yet allowed to go home,” eventually causing them to “[swear] that we would do no more duty here,” (Document D). This could possibly explain why the British were sure they would succeed in the Revolutionary War, as they clearly did not think much of the American military, or lack thereof.

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