The War That Made America Video Questions

Name: ______Class: ______

Episode #1 1. What mistakes does young George Washington make at the beginning of the French and Indian War?

2. Why is controlling the Forks of the Ohio River so important to the French, British, and Native Americans?

3. What decision does the Half-King make in forming an Alliance with the Europeans and how do the British try to persuade him?

4. Why do the French want to build forts in the Frontier?

5. Why do George Washington and the British lose the Battle of Fort Necessity?

6. Describe British General William Braddock’s leadership style. Does he want to fight in the Indian “way” by using their strategies or making an alliance with them?

7. How does the French leader show the Native Americans that he values their alliance and fighting style?

8. Why do the British and General Braddock lose the Battle of Fort Duquense? What does George Washington suggest?

Episode #2 1. Why was living in the frontier dangerous for colonists?

2. What was the purpose for Native Americans to take colonists prisoner?

3. What happened to the French Colonists (Acadians) in Nova Scotia in 1755? Where did the British force them to go after winning control of the area?

4. What do the Native Americans want to take after battles as “proof of victory” or “honors of war”?

5. Why do the British lose the Battle of Fort William Henry?

6. Even though the French win the Battle of Fort William Henry how do they lose the support of the Native Americans? Why is this an example of cultural misunderstanding?

7. What consequences for the overall war do you predict the events after this battle will have?

Episode #3 1. What job does George Washington have on the frontier and why is it frustrating?

2. What does George Washington ask for from the British General Loudon?

3. How does Washington react to Loudon’s decision? What effects might this have on his attitude towards the British later during the American Revolution?

4. What hardships and disease affect the Native Americans in the Ohio Country?

5. Do you think George Washington demonstrated poor judgment or bravery as he fought near the Forks of the Ohio? What “other purpose” may his live have been spared for?

6. What do the British rename the Forks of the Ohio after they capture it? What modern day city is located there?

7. Where does George Washington go after leaving the military?

Episode #4 1. Describe how James Wolfe and the British defeated the French at the Battle of Quebec. Why does their European style “line-up” strategy work better here?

2. What did the Iroquois Native Americans decide to do in 1759 that would tip the balance of power in the war?

3. What happened after the French surrendered the City of Montreal? How much of North America did the British control as a result of winning the war?

4. What did American colonists want after helping the British win the war?

5. Why did Pontiac lead a rebellion against the British? What were the effects?

6. What treaty ended the war?

7. What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 say? Why did this upset American Colonists?

8. Why did the British Parliament begin to raise taxes on the Americans?

9. Why could it be considered ironic that the British won the French and Indian War but in doing so created enough tension with the colonists that they would eventually rebel and win independence in the Revolutionary War?

10. Why could the French and Indian War be considered the “War That Made America”?