FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR (PART #3)

By 1756, The small conflict between Britain and France had turned into a mini World War. Austria, Germany, Prussia, and Russia joined in the fight (Europe).

In 1757, things are beginning to turn in North America

• Britain has 20 battalions of troops in N. A. (25,000 British/15,000 militia)

• France has 8 battalions of troops in N.A. (10,000 troops)

• English colonists outnumber the French colonists, 18 to 1

• British are led by three new military General’s, William Johnson, Jeffrey Amherst, and James Wolfe

• French are led by General Marquis de Montcalm

• Most Indian tribes (Algonquin, Huron, Fox, Cherokee, Abnaki, Mic Mac, etc..) had traditionally allied themselves with the French.

• Under the influence of General William Johnson, the Mohawk wing of the Iroquois league side with the British. The Mohawk are led by the eccentric King Hendrick.

• Wampum ( a belt made of ceremonial beads) is used as a key gift in gaining Indian influence

Although France continues to win many key battles, their victories are deceiving. Native tribes grow disillusioned with General Montcalm and his desire to fight in a “civilized” European way. After negotiating an “honorable” surrender for the British troops at the Battle of Fort William Henry, many of the native allies of the French begin taking their own war prize from the defeated British and New England militia soldiers.