The Political History of the United States 3.30 A European War
May 30, 2022
New commanders are shaping the battlefield as the French and Indian War expands to Europe. Tensions rise between provincial officers and regulars, affecting recruitment and strategies. The British face setbacks after Braddock's defeat, while Shirley attempts to maintain colonial support. Insights into the strategic importance of Oswego reveal why it became a target for the French. The conflict ignites a global war, intertwining European alliances and altering the tides of power, marking a turning point in North American campaigns.
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North America Started A Global War
- The French and Indian War originated in North America and then expanded into a global conflict.
- By 1756 the fighting spanned North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and India, reshaping global power balances.
British Early Failures Weaken Strategy
- Early British campaigns from 1754–1755 were disastrous and exposed command failures.
- Losses like Braddock's defeat undermined British strategy and morale heading into 1756.
London's Rules Alienated Colonists
- London imposed rank and uniform discipline rules that alienated provincial officers and soldiers.
- Those regulations made recruitment harder and revealed a deep British misunderstanding of colonial politics.
