In 1754, competition for control over territory in North America led to the outbreak of the French and Indian War
British and their American colonists fought against the French and their Indian allies.
Benjamin Franklin presented his Albany Plan of Union to unite the colonies in the war effort.
The colonies rejected his plan, but it later served as a model for the government of the United States.
At first the war went poorly for the British, but soon the British gained advantage
The French retreated in New France (Canada)
The Iroquis Indians, who ended up playing both sides, supported the British.
Britain went on to win the war after its capture of Quebec, the turning point of the war.
In 1763, Great Britain, France, and France's ally Spain signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the French and Indian War.
Despite the victory, the war seriously strained relations between Britain and the American colonists.