Introduction
The U.S.A. History has many events that shaped the country’s ideology and political stance, one of the essential ones being the French and Indian conflict. It established the relationships between colonists, Native Americans, and the British and French Empires. Looking from a different perspective may uncover the central motive of the conflict. This paper aims to review the turning events of the War, analyze its reasons through the economic lens, and point out the main issues of the modern U.S.A.
The French and Indian War
The Native American tribe led by the Half-King controlled the Ohio land, so desired by both British and French people. England’s soldiers negotiated with the Native Americans, who allowed building a trading post on the Forks of Ohio. The French troops fought for control over a crucial piece of land, resulting in heightening the tensions between the two Empires. King Louis the Fifteenth and King George the Second both send groups to secure the crucial tactical points and fight off the opposition. The confrontation between the French and British led by General Braddock resulted in the latter’s defeat.
Under the command of William Johnson, the combined troops of Native Americans and colonists secured control over Lake George. The defense of the fort ended in General Monroe and his army surrendering. This win created a dispute between Native Americans and their French alias because the latter did not allow tribes to take prisoners. Indians felt offended by such treatment and attacked the surrendered British. French colonists then realized that they had a chance of losing their alias, subsequently losing the war. Although previously winning a significant fight, they suffered devastating defeats at both Fort Frontenac and Louisbourg.
Soon, the British army again tried to retake Fort Duquesne and possibly invade the Western frontier. The French army’s main control center – Quebec – became a point of attack for General James Wolfe and his army. With a tactical approach to the battle, the city surrendered after weeks of siege. This success led to an attack on Montreal, thus ending the War. Unfortunately for the British Empire, this victory would serve as a source for another conflict – the American Revolution.
The French and Indian War through the Economical Lens
North America was an essential piece of land for both parties; thus, the dispute arose. French colonists controlled Canada and wanted to extend their area of control. The same situation played out with British troops, who already have colonized the Eastern part of America. The financial benefit of controlling lands was so big, it was hard to overlook it, not considering the creation of trading routes with other continents. Such opportunity could not be ignored by two of the World’s largest colonizing powers. History also showed other motives, similar to Empire’s financial benefits that persuaded the American colonists to start a revolution.
After the end of the War, the British Empire promised Native Americans they would keep control over the Ohio lands. England was also short on funds after the costly War, which led to them claiming the taxes. The pressure from two opposing forces angered the colonists because they desired to own the Indians’ lands and did not want to pay the taxes. Financial benefits ruled the interests of colonists and the British Empire, with Native Americans suffering from the consequences. Looking at the French and Indian War through the economic lens allows understanding the conflict’s main motives.
Issues of the modern U.S.A
The modern U.S.A’s main problems are the co-existence of different races and ethnicities and politically dependent economic growth. The first issue arises because of the diversity of the country’s citizens. Many aspects that influence the argument, when analyzed through the economic lens, are partially revealing their reasoning. The bigger the country’s population is, the harder it is to provide enough jobs or financial aid. This situation creates a heightened tension, resulting in some citizens being unhappy with a particular group. Be it racial, ethnic, or language difference – in some cases, hatred is triggered because of economic instability that influences people’s lives.
The other issue is the political choices of the party at power. The conflict between the politicians and citizens is as old as the governmental structure itself. Applying the economic lens to the analysis reveals a simple, yet very challenging obstacle. For the U.S government, it is necessary to make changes, restrictions, or complete revision of particular laws, leading to a percentage of the country’s citizens’ dissatisfaction. People are mostly concerned about their personal life, while the government’s task is to improve them in a less harmful way. To resolve this issue, the President and Congress have to establish better communication and provide laws that will satisfy most citizens.
Conclusion
Throughout U.S. History, many conflicts arose, which helped create the country’s identity. The French and Indian War is an example of the results of economically-centered actions. Unfortunately, such reasoning continues to be at the center point of any warfare. It is essential for the U.S. development for the government to analyze the negative experience of the past and try not to make similar mistakes.
Reference list
Behroozian, F. (2017). History BBC documentary Colonial House EP01 A New [Video]. Web.
Clan, T. B. (2019). Chapter Two: Indentured Servants[Video]. Web.
Rohr, R. (2018).PBS The War That Made American Part 2 [Video]. Web.
Turner, G. (2017). PBS The War That Made American Part 1 [Video]. Web.