Document Analysis The French and Indian War, 1754-1763 Prompt: In what ways did the French and Indian War (1754-1763) alter the political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies? Directions: Analyze each document. Make sure you analysis of the historical context for each document includes outside information, and remember to consider how you would use your document analysis in your essay. Consider each analysis as additional evidence to support your thesis or your counter-argument. Source: French and Indian War Map, The American Nation: A History of the United States, 2016. H – historical context – I – intended audience – P – purpose – P – point of view - It is true Sir, that I have… expressed an Inclination to serve the ensuing Campaign as a Volunteer; and this inclination is not a little increased since it is likely to be conducted by a Gentleman of the General’s Experience. But, besides this and the laudable desire I may have to serve (with my best abilities) my King & Country, I must be ingenious enough to confess, that I am not a little biased by selfish considerations. To be plain, Sir, I wish earnestly to attain some knowledge of the Military Profession: and believing a more favorable opportunity cannot offer, than to serve under a Gentleman of General Braddock’s abilities and experience. Source: George Washington, letter to Robert Orme, aide-de-camp to General Edward Braddock, March 15, 1755. H – historical context – I – intended audience – P – purpose – P – point of view - Source: Rev. Thomas Barnard, sermon, Massachusetts, 1763. Auspicious Day! When Britain, the special Care of Heaven, blessed with a patriotSovereign, served by wise and faithful Councellors, brave Commanders, successful Fleets and Armies, seconded in her Efforts by all her Children, and by none more zealously than by those of New England… H – historical context – I – intended audience – America, mayest well rejoice, the Children of New England may be glad and triumph, in Reflection on Events past, and Prospect for the future… P – purpose – Now commences the Era of our quiet Enjoyment of those Liberties which our Fathers purchased with the Toil of their whole Lives, their Treasure, their Blood. Safe from the Enemy of the Wilderness, safe from the gripping Hand of arbitrary Sway and cruel Superstition, here shall be the late founded Seat of Peace and Freedom. Here shall our indulgent Mother, who has most generously rescued and protected us, be served and honored by growing Numbers, with all Duty, Love and Gratitude, till Time shall be no more. P – point of view - As to the Stamp Act, tho we purpose (propose) doing our Endeavor to get it repeal’d in which I am sure you would concur with us, yet the Success is uncertain. If it continues, your undertaking to execute it may make you unpopular for a Time, but your Coolness and Steadiness, and with every Circumstance in your Power of Favour to the People, will by degrees reconcile them. In the meantime, a firm Loyalty to the Crown and faithful Adherence to the Government of the Nation, which it is the Safety as well as Honour of the Colonies to be connected with, will always be the wisest Course for you and I to take. Source: Benjamin Franklin (in London) letter to John Hughs (in Pennsylvania), August 9, 1765. H – historical context – I – intended audience – P – purpose – P – point of view - French-Indian War Documentary Document One Document Information - European colonies in North America before 1754 - Shows European colonies in North America after 1763 - Details British possessions, French possessions, and Spanish possessions Document Inferences - Significant shift of colonial power in North America to the British and the Spanish Leads to westward expansion and increased tensions with Native Americans The French are no longer a threat in North America Expanded British territories lead to a greater administrative responsibility for the mother country Document Two Document Information - Washington volunteers to join the military campaign - Desires to serve “King and Country” - Desires to learn about military by serving with British regulars Document Inferences - Washington fights in the French and Indian War - Washington shows loyalty to British government - Colonial leadership beginning to emerge Document Three Document Information - Praises blessings of Great Britain as mother country America rejoices in reflection on past events and on the future A new era of peace and freedom begins Document Inferences - A celebration of ties with British and the removal of French and Native American threat No sign of animosity between colonists and British Recognizes the colonists’ role in bringing about the new era Rising expectations and a sense of optimism Document Four Document Information - Franklin is working to repeal the Stamp Act Tells Hughs that enforcement of law may be unpopular Franklin advocates loyalty to the Crown and colonial government Document Inferences - Franklin alerts the British officials about colonial opposition to the Stamp Act Franklin favors maintaining law and order to prevent civil unrest Franklin fears violent opposition from colonists and British retaliation Relevant Outside Information - Navigation Acts Smuggling “salutary neglect” French fur trade with Indians Albany Plan of Union (1754) William Pitt Myth of invincibility of British military Treaty of Paris, 1763 Proclamation of 1763 Pontiac’s Rebellion Westward movement King George III - George Grenville Sugar Act, or Revenue Act (1764) Writs of Assistance Stamp Act Congress (1765) Sons of Liberty Stamp Act riots Tarring and feathering Boycotts Patrick Henry Quartering Act (1764) Paxton Boys “no taxation without representation” “virtual” vs. “actual” representation John Locke Repeal of the Stamp Act (1765) Declaratory Act (1766)
