The 4 wars fought by the British Colonies before 1776

The American Revolutionary war was not the first war fought by the English in North America. These four wars were fought to establish English Supremacy in North America – particularly over England’s #1 enemy – France.

King William’s War 1689-1697

In Quebec this is called the First InterColonial War. It is the first war between New England and New France. New France had a larger expanse of land and friendlier relationships with the American Indians, but New England had more people. This war was actually won by the future Canadians (which is probably why you don’t learn about it in American History courses) at the Battle of Quebec fought in 1690. The British sent a diplomat up to Montreal, asking for an immediate surrender of the city of Montreal.  Here is a picture of this:

The French Frotenac famously replied:

“

Non, je n’ai point de réponse à faire à votre général que par la bouche de mes canons et de mes fusils.(I have no reply to make to your general other than from the mouths of my cannons and muskets.)

”

Queen Anne’s War 1702-1713

Result: Britain gains Nova Scotia, New Foundland, and the Carribean Island of St. Kitts, and a bunch of other stuff. England wins.

King George’s War 1744-1748

Outcome: a tie, but the French allied themselves with the American Indians who caused many casualties in the British Colonies – particularly in Massachussets.

French and Indian War 1754-1763

Result: All of Canada is handed over to Britain. France loses French Louisiana and most of the Carribean. Spain loses Florida to the British. Here is a useful map of who owned what before this war, in 1750.

Who owns what in 1750