The French and Indian war was a very curious conflict, and the way it began is even more curious. The start of this war can be traced back to a huge demand of beaver fur in Europe, and the competition between France and England for dominance over the most viable trapping territories. But during this war, one major figure in US history got thrust into the limelight, and that Figure was George Washington. In the Article “Ambition, Accomplishment, and acclaim” by Don Higginbotham he states that George Washington was a very ambitious man, who was highly visible and had an enormous amount of experience in military affairs. This statement is backed up throughout the article with supporting facts and statements from Washington’s correspondences. However,
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Dinwiddie Washington proudly said that in fifteen minutes his soldiers had killed ten Frenchmen, including one Ensign Jumonville who was the unit’s commander. This battle brought Washington a lot of acclaim in both Virginia and London. Also, during this time period Washington’s Commander, Col. Joshua Fry, died; Which consequently made Washington the Commanding officer of the Virginia regiment. After the battle in which Jumonville was killed, Washington built a small shack at the Great Meadows, near the site of the battle. Soon after though, the French came with a force of regular infantry and Indians 1,200 strong to get revenge for the killing of Jumonville. After realizing he was outgunned and out of food, Washington surrendered after only a day long siege. On July 3rd, 1754 Washington signed the surrender document, without realizing that the document also made him admit to the “assassination” of a French officer. This was used as propaganda to propel France towards war. For the rest of the war he served under Gen. Braddock, and his conduct in the conflict made him a well know and highly respected individual. This lead to him being invited to the first and second continental congresses, and being made the first president of the United
Dinwiddie Washington proudly said that in fifteen minutes his soldiers had killed ten Frenchmen, including one Ensign Jumonville who was the unit’s commander. This battle brought Washington a lot of acclaim in both Virginia and London. Also, during this time period Washington’s Commander, Col. Joshua Fry, died; Which consequently made Washington the Commanding officer of the Virginia regiment. After the battle in which Jumonville was killed, Washington built a small shack at the Great Meadows, near the site of the battle. Soon after though, the French came with a force of regular infantry and Indians 1,200 strong to get revenge for the killing of Jumonville. After realizing he was outgunned and out of food, Washington surrendered after only a day long siege. On July 3rd, 1754 Washington signed the surrender document, without realizing that the document also made him admit to the “assassination” of a French officer. This was used as propaganda to propel France towards war. For the rest of the war he served under Gen. Braddock, and his conduct in the conflict made him a well know and highly respected individual. This lead to him being invited to the first and second continental congresses, and being made the first president of the United