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The most significant French and Indian War (singular, without the "s") was the seven-year struggle that was the culmination of the conflicts between France and England in America.  It was the American portion of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between England and France in Europe.  The name "French and Indian" to describe the war may seem confusing, because the French and Indians were on the same side, both fighting against the British, although there were some Indians who were allied with the British.  But this name is similar to the naming used for the "Korean War" (North Koreans fighting against the United States, with some Koreans on the United States' side), and the "Vietnam War" (North Vietnamese fighting against the United States, with some Vietnamese on the United States' side).

The most significant French and Indian War (singular, without the "s") was the seven-year struggle that was the culmination of the conflicts between France and England in America.  It was the American portion of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) between England and France in Europe.  The name "French and Indian" to describe the war may seem confusing, because the French and Indians were on the same side, both fighting against the British, although there were some Indians who were allied with the British.  But this name is similar to the naming used for the "Korean War" (North Koreans fighting against the United States, with some Koreans on the United States' side), and the "Vietnam War" (North Vietnamese fighting against the United States, with some Vietnamese on the United States' side).

In 1755, the British sent General [[Edward Braddock]] to confront French, but they ambushed and beat him badly near [[Fort Duquesne]] (pronounced DOO CANE).  In 1756, war broke out between the French and English in Europe, Africa, and India, as the war morphed into the first true global conflict.  

In 1755, the British sent General [[Edward Braddock]] to confront French, but they ambushed and beat him badly near Fort Duquesne (pronounced DOO CANE).  In 1756, war broke out between the French and English in Europe, Africa, and India, as the war morphed into the first true global conflict.  

At first, the British struggled badly in this war.  But eventually a smart fellow named [[William Pitt]] was appointed Prime Minister of England.  The city of Pittsburgh is named after him.  Pitt believed in appointing generals based on merit, not seniority or friendship.  Pitt recognized the importance of the colonies and began investing significant money and resources into the war.  He then started beating the French.  Under Pitt's leadership, the English captured Fort Duquesne (renaming it Fort Pitt) in 1758, Quebec in 1759, and then Montreal in 1760.  Taking advantage of the powerful British navy, Britain gained control of the sea lanes and started winning in other places in world also, including India.   

At first, the British struggled badly in this war.  But eventually a smart fellow named [[William Pitt]] was appointed Prime Minister of England.  The city of Pittsburgh is named after him.  Pitt believed in appointing generals based on merit, not seniority or friendship.  Pitt recognized the importance of the colonies and began investing significant money and resources into the war.  He then started beating the French.  Under Pitt's leadership, the English captured Fort Duquesne (renaming it Fort Pitt) in 1758, Quebec in 1759, and then Montreal in 1760.  Taking advantage of the powerful British navy, Britain gained control of the sea lanes and started winning in other places in world also, including India.