The Seven Years War

Ohio Valley: 1754

The lead up to this war, The Seven Years War, was many hostilities over different areas. Specifically, the British wanted the Ohio Valley, for their fur trade businesses, but the French had many fortresses in the Ohio Valley for the same reason, thus creating much tension between the world's largest war superpowers. There were a bunch of little battles and victories for each side, until 1756, when Britain had enough, and they officially declared war against France.

French Early Victories: 1756-1757

In 1756, the French had started to pick up steam, as they captured British Fort Oswego on Lake Ontario, gaining control of the Great Lakes. There were many attacks on American settlements, like the German Flatts (later mentioned). The Americans could not cope, and Britain was forced to send 20 000 men to help, but that wasn't enough, as the French kept on winning more and more crucial battles. In 1757, the French captured Fort William Henry, on Lake George. The French, led by General Montcalm took many victories over this period of time, forcing multiple British checkpoints to fall. The British Army had to send more soldiers to help, cutting much of their unstoppable army. Even though the French got a head start at the beginning, the British would eventually rebound back, and force the French into an uncomfortable position.

Acadians: 1755

The Treaty of Utrecht was created in 1713, and it stated that Acadia was to be traded to the British. When tensions rose between the French and the British in 1755, the Acadians were asked by Britain to help them in the war. The Acadians did not help Britain. In retaliation, the British burned down many towns in Acadia, and deported the rest that weren't killed. An overly aggressive move. This was important because many people lost their homes and livelihood's, as they were sent off to new countries with little resources and money. The British eventually invited the Acadians back, but many did not want to go back, after the ruthlessness by the British in 1755. Many Acadians went to New Orleans and the Caribbean. This also affected modern day Acadia (Nova Scotia), as now it is a mainly English speaking province, despite its French history.

German Flatts: 1757

In 1757, French General Louis-Joseph, Marquis de Montcalm was sent to Quebec. He was an experienced soldier, and he had won many battles in the past. He was directed to lead the troops in New France. He was reluctant to accept, but still did, due to the large amounts of money he would be paid. Montcalm first met the Governor of New France, Pierre de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil, whom he would disagree with many times, especially on the topics of war strategy, (Montcalm would line up the troops and fight to the death, Vaulderuil would sneak into smaller settlements and take them, one by one). They also disagreed on how to treat La Canadien, and the Indiginous Peoples. Just listen to what Montcalm says about the canadian officers! "L'ongie, excellent, Maran brave, but stupid. The rest are not worth mentioning". "Monsieur de Moncalm is so quick tempered, that he goes to the length of striking the canadiens. How can he restrain his officers if he cannot restrain himself" Marquis de Vauldreuil says. Vaudreuil then goes on to assemble 300 men, and under the direction of Commander Belestre, they made their way to the town of German Flatts. They use guerilla war tactics and ambushing, to take the protections overnight, and burn the city to the ground. In the process, they killed 50 settlers, took 32 scalps (sliced the top of someone's head off, would then normally go onto the scalpers belt as a war trophy) and captured 150 women and children as prisoners, to use as bargaining leverage in the future. This is important because these people lost everything they had, and for some, even their lives. This shows how brutal war is.

British Offensives: 1758-1759

At this point in 1758, the British were losing the war in Europe. With a quick, smart decision, the British decide to focus all their efforts on the new world (North America). Their reasons? To take the French's money, and resources. In early 1758, the British failed to take Fort Carillion, despite the fact that the British had 5 times more men. But the British had resolve, and they started to claw back. Later in 1758, the British gained Fort Louisbourg (later mentioned), and destroyed Fort Frontenac (Kingston, Ontario). The British for the first of many times had taken charge and striked a French Fort efficiently, and effectively. In 1759, the British captured Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Fort Niagara, and secured a huge "W" in the Plains of Abraham (later mentioned). This puts much pressure on the French, as they are now losing the war.

James Wolfe:

Louisbourg: 1758

Just after the Treaty of Utrecht was made, the French created a town on the Gulf of the St Lawrence. It was then tasked to guard the entrance to New France. In 1758, the British gained Fort Louisbourg, opening up the St. Lawrence River and to British Ships, and allowing access into New France. James Wolfe, British general, fought valiantly, leading a small fleet of attackers, and took down Louisbourg with a reckless, but powerful strike against the French. After 2 months of siege, the French had surrendered, and Wolfe had taken Louisbourg. This was the turning point from defense, to offense for The British. This also proves General Wolfe's resilliency, regardless how young and inexperienced he is. He would be known as the hero of this battle. A crucial turning point in the war, as when they captured Louisbourg, they destroyed New France's border, and made an impressive entrance into New France. They also opened up a huge supply route, that in the future could prove most useful, as resources could win you many battles and wars.

Preparing for British Attack: 1758

It was winter of 1758, and the French position in Canada was not looking good. Montcalm was expecting a British attack very soon, so he requests that the Leader of the French Military, Bougainville, send more troops to help in the war. Bougainville does not agree with this, as he thinks that if France is at war, they are more important and deserve the troops more than if the French colonies are at war, which is exactly the situation. He only sends Montcalm 400 men. This is very little, compared to the 14 000 men fighting for the British. In preparation for British attack, Montcalm digs a 10 mile long trench along the Beauport shore. The French somehow, someway, assemble 15 000 men, yet many of the men are taken from the Canadien Militia, meaning they are not fully trained. This fact separates the French from the British, as the British men are all fully trained, and prepared to the battle. The fact that the British are a fully trained, and fortified force, yet the French are a bunch of inexperienced men recklessly clumped together, definitely comes into play later. Montcalm is not prepared for the fully fledged force of the British Fleet. (See that alliteration Mrs. R-D!). Bougainville's ignorance ends up playing a key part in the French's eventual loss in Canada.

The British Fleet: June 28, 1758

On June 26, 1758, over 200 ships were deployed by Wolfe down the St. Lawrence, including 80 transport ships, and 22 battleships, among more. Carrying 9000 soldiers, and 18000 sailors. And that was only a quarter of the full navy! The British Navy was the most powerful military force in the world (at the time). They were referred to by many, as invincible. The villagers on the sides of the St. Lawrence were evacuated due to this. James Wolfe himself is not doing great, not nearly as well as his fleet. He is suffering from Tuberculosis (disease caused by germs that spread through the air, which affects the lungs, brain, spine, and more. If not treated properly, it can result in death), and Rheumatism (conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscle, ligaments and bones), while also suffering from sea sickness, and depression, even though he's supposed to be the brave, and unstoppable general leader of the fleet. James Wolfe has released his fleet, and they are ready to battle, but he is not. He is battling many diseases and sicknesses, which could affect his fighting, yet he pushes it away, and gets ready for his attack on Quebec. The British have almost nothing to lose, but the French have everything to lose, like their home and country.

Fire Boats: June 28, 1759

It was late June of 1759, and Montcalm had decided to test a new strategy on the oncoming British Fleet. Fireboats. Gunpowder and flammable debris heaved onto ships and boats. At midnight of the 28th, Montcalm released them. They cut through the water, sailing towards their target, the British Fleet. On each boat, there would be a man to set off the gunpowder, and then jump into sea. One man set it off too early, and the others took it as a sign to set theirs off early as well, thus plunging the operation into disarray, and doing nothing to the British, except giving the fleet some light fireworks! It ended up rebounding against the French, as they lost 3 men, and revealed a sneaky strategy they could have used effectively. After experiencing the Fire Boats being exploded, Wolfe had decided to hasten his operations, and men into taking Quebec quicker, as the fire boats had scared him. This also angered Wolfe. "If you send any more fire-rafts," he warned, "They shall be made fast to the two transports in which the Canadian prisoners are confined in order that they may perish by your own base invention." (Wolfe sent in a letter to Montcalm)

The Battle For Quebec: 1759-1760

The Battle for Quebec, one of the most documented wars in Canadian history, is finally here. In the next 4 chapters, you will learn of the trials and tribulations for the British, and the French. The end is near, not just for the war, but possibly for the Generals of the two opposing armies. Who knows what will happen? Actually, I do, that's why I'm writing this right now. So sit back and watch, as this important event, which will change modern-day Canada for generations, unfolds.

Seige: July 12, 1759

The British Military has fully made it to Quebec, and set up their cannons around the city and fort. On July 12th of 1759, at 9:00 pm, British General James Wolfe orders his men to fire the cannons, starting the long and tiring siege of Quebec. Well, I can say that the British were smart, because they cut off Quebec's food supply, causing much starvation. They proceeded to shoot cannonballs for 9 weeks, and released almost 20 000 cannonballs in total! After 9 weeks, Wolfe could tell the battle was not swinging his way, so he decided to regroup and think of his next way to crush the great city of Quebec. The French must hold on at this point. If the British win over Quebec, it could mean the end of French influence in Canada.

Beauport Shore: July 30th, 1759

It was the last day in July of 1759, when the Beauport Shore was attacked. British General James Wolfe had been contemplating what move to make for quite some time. One day, he decided to just recklessly attack Beauport and try to invade Quebec, rather than listening to his advisors and attacking upriver. The French only had 70 wounded or dead, compared to the British 440. The British took a beating from the French. This forced Wolfe to retreat, and heal his men. Once again, the French held strong against the British attackers, and won another battle for the first time in a while. It seemed like the French were playing tug of war against the British, but the French had socks, and the British had shoes. The French were slowly slipping and sliding away, further and further from victory. Even Marquis de Vauldreuil was worried. It's good to see the French put on some shoes and win one. After winning, Vauldreuil isn't worried about the safety of Quebec anymore, although he should be.

"I have no more anxiety about Quebec. M. Wolfe, I can assure you, will make no progress."

(Vauldeuil sent in a letter to Wolfe)

Plains of Abraham: September 13, 1759

In 1759, The British sent 4500 men not very far upriver of Quebec, at the fields of a farmer named Abraham. Therefore, the location, of the battleground to this date, is called "The Plains of Abraham" (for great reason, I must add). Before Wolfe's next attempt on Quebec, Wolfe sends more observation ships to make Montcalm think that he is attacking once again to Beauport. A smart move, and one that works, as well. Now, put your hands together for a play by play, brough to you by your friendly classmate: Daniel! The British Fleet arrive on the shore, in front of a huge cliff, and the troops start the highly dangerous climb up the treacherous cliffs. Legend has it, that Wolfe sent French speaking soldiers to pretend they were messengers, and then stab the Frenchmen at the outposts guarding the cliffs. The British proceed to slowly climb up the cliff, and arrive onto the fields. Unbeknownst to the British, the Indigenous and Canadien snipers line up behind the trees around the plains, and are ready to use guerilla war tactics to ambush the British. The French were at the Beauport Shore expecting an attack, but they come back to the plains in time. Montcalm arrives unsure of if the British are doing a full invasion, or if it’s a diversion. Montcalm makes a decision to attack them before the reinforcements arrive. The French decide to run in groups to a line but they are too far away when Montcalm calls "Fire!", thus missing the British. The French get more and more disorganized as it goes on. The British strike multiple times, and the French retreat. La Canadien militia and Indigenous snipers cover the retreating troops. The British take the city. Well, I can say that either the British came with their A-game that day, or the French were so disorganized, that it wasn't much of a battle. Either way, the battle only lasted 30 mins, making one of, if not the most important battle in Canadian history, one of the quickest battles in Canadian history. Both General Leaders of the two parties, Montcalm and Wolfe, died in this battle. The most important battle in Canada (in my opinion), was over, and Quebec had surrendered to the British. This is very significant as even though the British won, both sides faced major fatalities, each losing their leading General's. The victory of the British at the Plains of Abraham blew out the French. Leaving one more big location the British want. Montreal.

Battle of Ste. Foy: April 28, 1760

Attempt

The French were almost out of options. The war in New France was going terribly, as even though Montreal was surviving, they don't have very many options, with the British holding the stronghold of Quebec. Taking back Quebec was necessary, and just that, is what they tried to do. Led by the Chevailer de Lévis, The French tried to take, no, steal the area/city back once again. They pummeled General James Murray's troops on the heights of Quebec City, yet laid a short, and very unsuccessful seige on the city, due to the British reinforcements arriving. The French troops were forced back to their last base/fort standing, Montréal. After a brutally, eye-opening upset in Quebec, the French had no more options, except for the one fort remaining, that could make or break them. Could they do it? Or would they fall short? We'll just have to wait and see.

Montreal

The British followed the French all the way to Montréal and after a short fight, and negotiation, the French had surrendered. Le Chevailler de Levis wanted to continue fighting to the death for the country, but Le Marquis de Vauldreuil saw otherwise. The British army were unmatched, and to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, Vauldreuil surrendered, thus ending France's rule over Canada, and ending the Canadian chapter of the Seven Years War. The French then left Canada for the very last time, and freed the British forces to fight in other areas of the world.