The French and Indian War: The History and Legacy of the Conflict Between French and British Colonies in North America by Charles River Editors

Author:Charles River Editors
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Charles River Editors
Published: 2019-03-23T16:00:00+00:00

A depiction of Montcalm attempting to stop natives from attacking wounded British soldiers

1757 was a dark year for the British war effort. The North American colonies seemed to hold on by a thread, with the French poised to march for Albany with ease. In Europe, the beleaguered Prussians stood surrounded by enemies on all sides. In India, the East India Company still held sway, and the British government could at least hope to avoid any bad news there. Fort William Henry proved a defeat, but it also proved a rallying cry for the British, the militia, and Parliament’s foreign policy.

Though the French managed several more victories in 1757, including ambushing Roger’s Rangers as they probed the defenses of Fort Ticonderoga, the tide began to turn.[lxxxv] French forces in Canada received little in the way of resupply, while the British continued to provide troops and train the militia, albeit somewhat halfheartedly.[lxxxvi] On top of that, Montcalm’s native allies were suffering badly from smallpox, weakening their forces and souring relations with the French.[lxxxvii] The two colonial powers would probe each other during the second half of 1757, with the French rallying their dwindling forces and supplies while the British amassed for a counterattack.

When 1757 turned to 1758, the British went on the offensive in earnest. The task of securing the long-neglected colonial border fell to the Scottish General John Forbes. His initial efforts would include securing native allies to counter the French, removing the largest weakness for the British.[lxxxviii] These efforts garnered limited success, with its greatest achievement leading to peace with natives in the Ohio Valley.

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