The Seven Years' War

Aim: How was the French and Indian War a turning point that led to increased tensions between Great Britain and its American colonies?

Part 1: Do Now

Before the Seven Years' War, European powers like Great Britain and France controlled huge territories in North America. France controlled a large area in the center of the continent, while Britain controlled the land along the Atlantic coast.

=> Based on this information, WHY do you think these two European powers eventually came into conflict with one another?

Part 2: The Proclamation of 1763

The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the Seven Years' War. Britain won and took control of all French territory east of the Mississippi River, gaining vast new lands. To prevent conflict with Native American tribes in this new territory, the British government issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763, which created a boundary line along the Appalachian Mountains.

Read the following primary source document, which created the new boundary. As you read, consider how this policy would have been viewed by colonists and by the British government.

Excerpt from the Royal Proclamation of 1763 (Primary Source)

And whereas it is just and reasonable, and essential to our interest, and the security of our colonies, that the several nations or tribes of Indians with whom we are connected, and who live under our protection, should not be molested or disturbed in the possession of such parts of our dominions and territories as, not having been ceded to or purchased by us, are reserved to them as their hunting grounds.

We do, therefore, with the advice of our Privy Council, declare it to be our royal will and pleasure, that no governor or commander-in-chief of any of our colonies upon the continent of North America, do presume to grant warrants of survey, or pass any patents for lands beyond the heads or sources of any of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean from the west or northwest; or upon any lands whatever, which, not having been ceded to or purchased by us, are reserved to the said Indians.

And we do further strictly forbid, on pain of our displeasure, any of our subjects from making any purchases or settlements whatever, from the said Indians, or upon any lands reserved to them.

Pinwheel Discussion

We will now participate in a Pinwheel Discussion. Your teacher will create an inner and outer circle, and you will rotate to discuss the guiding question with a new partner. Be prepared to share your ideas and use evidence from the document to support your claims.

Guiding Question:

How did the Proclamation of 1763 and the debt from the Seven Years' War change the relationship between Great Britain and its colonies?

Part 3: Exit Ticket

In at least five sentences, explain how the French and Indian War changed the relationship between Great Britain and its American colonies. Use the concept of British debt and the Proclamation of 1763 to support your answer.