Major Moments

Modern day America is the result of history’s making. From the discovery of the New World to the establishment of firm governments in the new colonies, every man, place, and event helped shape history. However, the most significant major moments from the colonial era to the antebellum period are the events that truly set the course for America’s development: The French and Indian war, The American Revolution, and the Revolution of 1800. These events shaped America’s current modern day government, geography, and independence. Had they not occurred, America would not exist or would be altered beyond recognition. The French and Indian war, The American Revolution and the Revolution of 1800 had a lasting impact on American history.
During the first half of the war, the French completely dominated battlefields, easily defeating the British in battles at Fort Oswego and Ticonderoga. Natives allied themselves with French troops during this time; this alliance not only added extra infantry, but also proved to be vital keys to winning battles. Because they feared this successful alliance, the British hosted the Albany Conference, which discussed both how to improve relations with the Native Americans and how to implement common defensive measures against the French. The most notable plan presented was Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union, an early attempt to unite the colonies under British crown. The plan of union failed; however, Indian alliance was acted upon immediately. In 1758, under direction of William Pitt, the British allied with Natives, just as the Franco-Indian alliance began to disintegrate.
Exhausted by years of battles, outnumbered and outgunned by the British troops, the French collapsed during 1758 to 1759, with the final result at the loss of Quebec in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. The signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 was the final result and significant mark of the end of the Seven Years’ War. Peace treaties and territorial...