In the 1600s and 1700s, Spain, Great Britain and France fought with each other for land.  Great Britain and France both claimed the Ohio River. The British settlers wanted to settle and live on the river, while the French wanted to trap animals for fur.

     Both wanted the land, so they went to war. The war lasted near 10 years. It is called the French and Indian War because many Native American tribes allied with the French.

     The British lost many of the first battles, because of their red coats making them easy targets. In 1759, the British troups captured Quebec, Canada. The French lost control of Canada in 1760. In 1762, France and Great Britain signed a peace treaty. The next year, the French gave up all it's land claims to Canada to the British. Also,the British won the land between the Mississippi River and Appalachian Mountains.

     Although Great Britain won the war, giving them more land, they also had an even greater debt. The British national debt had almost doubled during the war.