At the outset of the eighteenth century, the Ohio Valley can identified as the main catalyst in triggering open hostilities between the French and the Americans. The Frenchoccupied parts of Canada but also wanted a stake in America. Its means to do this wasthrough the Ohio Valley it maintained. However, the colonists were bound to permeatethis area in their push towards the west. And as they did, competition for the lush landsflared up and came to a breaking point. This directly lead to the French and Indian Warwith the Indians, for the most part, siding with the French against Britain. The events andsentiments that took place during and immediately after the French and Indian War(1754-1763) were extremely important in contributing to the outset of the AmericanRevolution. By looking at the perspectives of the two diverging peoples, it is evidentthere is a strong contrast, which lead to increasing tensions.The intermingling of arrogant British redcoats and the proud colonial militiamenprecariously produced a strong mutual dislike and contempt. The majority of Britishofficers hated colonial service and took great care to avoid it. After all, America was astrange wilderness to them. The West Indies specifically were infested withdisease-carrying pests, and fevers were known to kill hundreds of men. Britains found thecolonists uncooperative and very reluctant to serve for their country. Religious minoritygroups especially opposed to war “could play hell with appropriations.” (Chidsey) Forexample, the Quakers absolutely would not fight to protect their very own homes andrefused to be taxed for a war because they thought, according to their religion, it wassinful. Most colonists altogether refused to contribute money. It was not until WilliamPitt offered to reimburse them a share of the money did they render some wealth, thoughnot much (Bailey 98). When American recruits finally dribbled in, they were primitive inmilitary custo...
