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March 15, 1744-October 18, 1748
King George’s War
The warm-up to the French and Indian War between France and England, also fought for domination over North America. Ends with the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and no clear victor.
1752-1753
French-English Agitation Grows
Tension grows between France and England over competing land and trading claims. Minor skirmishes break out, particularly in rural areas.
November-December 1753
The British Ultimatum
George Washington, a 21-year-old major, carries Virginia’s ultimatum over French encroachment to Captain Legardeur de Saint-Pierre at Riviere aux Boeufs, who rejects it.
May 28, 1754
The First Battle
Washington defeats the French in a surprise attack. His troops retreat to Great Meadows and build Fort Necessity near present-day Farmington, Pennslyvania, to take cover.
July 3, 1754
The French Take Fort Necessity
July 17, 1754
Washington’s Resignation
Blamed for Fort Necessity, Washington resigns. He will later return as a volunteer under British authority.
June 17, 1755
The British Seize Acadia (Nova Scotia)
The British begin expelling the Acadian French inhabitants when they refuse to pledge loyalty to the British crown.
July 9, 1755
Battle of The Wilderness
British General Braddock’s forces are defeated near Fort Duquesne in Pennsylvania, leaving the backwoods of British territory undefended.
September 9, 1755
Battle of Lake George
British Colonel William Johnson’s forces win, making Johnson the first British hero of the war.
May 8-9, 1756
Declarations of War
Britain declares war on France; France declares war on Britain.
August 14, 1756
Battle of Fort Oswego
The French capture Fort Oswego on the banks of Lakes Ontario in upstate New York.
August 8, 1757
Battle of Fort William Henry
The commander-in-chief of the French forces, Louis-Joseph de Montcalm takes Fort William Henry on Lake George in New York. The infamous massacre occurs, later dramatized in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans.
July 8, 1758
The French Take Fort Ticonderoga in New York
July 26, 1758
Siege of Louisbourg
After a two-month siege, the British seize Louisbourg, a key port in Nova Scotia, opening the route to Canada.
August 27, 1758
Surrender of Fort Frontenac
The French surrender this fort on Lake Ontario, effectively destroying their ability to communicate with their troops in the Ohio Valley.
October 21, 1758
British-Native American Peace
The British make peace with the Iroquois, Shawnee, and Delaware tribes.
November 26, 1758
The British Recapture Fort Duquesne
The fort is is then renamed “Pittsburgh.”
May 1, 1759
The British Capture the French Island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean
June 26, 1759
The British Take Fort Ticonderoga
July 25, 1759
More British Victories
The British take Fort Niagara; the French abandon Crown Point. After these two victories, the British control the entire western frontier.
September 13, 1759
Battle of Quebec
The British win the decisive Battle of Quebec. Montcalm and Wolfe, the commanding generals of the two armies, both perish in battle.
May 16, 1760
French Siege of Quebec Fails
September 8, 1760
Battle of Montreal
Montreal falls to the British; letters are signed finishing the surrender of Canada.
September 15, 1760
The Functional End of the War
Around this date, the British flag is raised over Detroit, effectively ending the war.
1761
The British Make Peace with the Cherokee
September 18, 1762
French Attempt to Retake Newfoundland Fails
February 10, 1763
Treaty of Paris
All French possessions east of the Mississippi, except New Orleans, are given to the British. All French possessions west of the Mississippi are given to the Spanish. France regains Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Lucia.
April 27, 1763
Indian Wars
Pontiac, the Ottowa Chief, proposes a coalition of Ottowas, Potawatomies and Hurons for the purpose of attacking Detroit.
May 9, 1763
Battle of Detroit
Pontiac’s forces lay siege to Detroit. That summer, his allies destroy forts at Venango, Le Boeuf and Presque Isle.
July 1763
Smallpox Outbreak
Men of the garrison at Fort Pitt purposely infect besieging chiefs with blankets from the smallpox hospital. Soon faced with an epidemic, the Native Americans retreat.
October 31, 1763
Pontiac Capitulates at Detroit
Native Amerian power in the Ohio Valley is broken.
