French & Indian War

While the French and Indian War may have untied the colonial people and the British in chasing the French out of America, it had more of a negative effect on the British-American relationship. First of all, the victories on American soil led to an increase in colonial self-esteem and independance. This created distance between Britain and America. Also, friction developed between the British and the Americans during the war due to English officers looking down upon and showing contempt towards Americans. For example, General Wolfe referred to the colonial militia as "the dirtiest, most contemptible, cowardly dogs..." Another factor from the war that had negative effects on the American-British relationship was that it exposed British vulnerability, such as in the English General Braddock's attack on Fort Duquesne, where the British forces were easily defeated and suffered heavy losses, and prompted the Indians to go on a rampage. Lastly, a rift was created between the British and colonials due to reluctance from the colonials to fully support the common war cause. In conclusion, the French-Indian war, although a victory for the British that succeeded in driving the French from America, had more permanent negative damages in the British relationship with the colonials, eventually leading to rebellion and revolt.