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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Franklin's Later Rebuke Of Loudoun
- Benjamin Franklin later criticized Loudoun as frivolous, expensive, and disgraceful.
- Franklin preferred Shirley's pragmatic approach despite Shirley not being a trained soldier.
French Command Divided On Strategy
- The French also replaced commanders, sending Montcalm to Canada where he clashed with Governor Vaudreuil.
- Montcalm favored European regular warfare while Vaudreuil prioritized Indian alliances and frontier raids.
Frontier Raids Shaped Colonial Capacity
- Vaudreuil leveraged Indian allies for low-cost frontier harassment of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
- These raids drained provincial resources and reduced their ability to support major northern campaigns.
