Between 1754 and 1763, competition for land led to a conflict between England and France that is now known as the French and Indian War. The British, with the help of American colonists and Indian allies, put an end to French power in North America.

After the war, Britain angered colonists by taxing them without giving them representation in Parliament. Over the next years, colonial protests grew stronger. Finally, in April 1775, British troops and colonial farmers clashed at the villages of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The battles marked the start of the American Revolution.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to learn how our taxes are used. (See Teacher's Edition, page 146.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on leaders of the Revolutionary War and colonial sentiments towards Great Britain.
  
  

Section 1: Rivalry in North America

Section 2: The French and Indian War

Section 3: A Crisis Over Taxes

Section 4: The Fighting Begins