French and Indian War

French and Indian Wars refers to a series of four wars fought over a time period of nearly 100 years to settle disputes between France and England over their colonies in North America. The competition for control of territory and trade in the colonies were the main reasons for the battles, and grew as conflicts between the two nations in Europe continued during this time span.

England had colonized settlements along the Atlantic seaboard; French settlements circled those in the north along the Saint Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and in the west along the Mississippi River. The territorial conflicts heated up when the English moved west from the Atlantic Coast and the French moved south from Canada and north from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Indians allied themselves to both sides in these series of colonial wars which resulted in England's final victory over France in North America.

The first war was called King William's War (for King William III of England) and was actually part of an European struggle called War of the Grand Alliance. Little was changed in territory holdings as a result of the war during the years of 1689-1697. The second war was named for Queen Anne of England - Queen Anne's War, over the years 1702-1713. During this time, France was joined by Spanish forces against the English. The result of this war gave the area known as Acadia (and renamed Nova Scotia) over to England, as well as the Hudson Bay region and Newfoundland, and the exclusive right to slave trade in the North American colonies. The third war was King George's War from 1744-1748, named for King George II of England, and was the North American portion of an European conflict termed the War of the Austrian Succession. No colonial disputes were settled as a result of this war, each side giving back territory gained as a result of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

The final conflict was termed French and Indian War and fought from 1754-1763. It took place while the Seven Years' War was waged between the great powers in Europe. According to the Treaty of Paris, Great Britain gained Canada and all French possessions east of the Mississippi and the Spanish territory of Florida. Spain received all French lands to the west of the Mississippi as well as control of the delta area of the great river. France was left with two small islands south of Newfoundland to be used as unfortified fishing stations, the last remnants of its great colonial empire in America.

The area FIWAR in LegendMud is set around the time of 1750. Cities are being built in the shadow of huge fortresses. In the outlying areas, it is still necessary to conquer the wilderness before attempting to take on any enemy. The native Indians continue to rule the woodlands even though their territory is becoming seriously encroached upon by trappers, soldiers and colonists.

While there are no formal declarations of war, tensions between the English and French are ever on the increase. This was a time when keen woodland skills, a brave heart and courage were needed for survival.