Phase 2 of 7 years war - French success under Montcalm

Question 1

What about General Montcalm gave the French an advantage?

Answer 1

• Montcalm as the French’s leader was a very capable, experienced commander & a veteran of the war of Austrian succession in Europe

Question 2

When did the British officially declare war on the French?

Answer 2

1756 - after the French captured Britain’s ‘Menorca’

Question 3

Who was placed in charge of British forces in North America

Answer 3

Lord Loudoun - despite his little experience and the fact that as governor of Virginia, he was unpopular among colonists - making raising colonial militia hard - in addition Loudoun also failed to reinforce any British forts, despite advice

Question 4

Which Fort did the French take in August 1756?

Answer 4

Fort Oswego - due to Loudoun’s lack of initiative/action

Question 5

What did Loudoun do in 1757?

Answer 5

• He was ordered to attack Louisburg but called off the attack when hearing it was reinforced by French navy
• Meanwhile, he also surrendered Fort William Henry to the French who had close to 2000 Indian allies with them - notoriously, the Indians then violated the terms of the surrender, and attacked the British as they left the fort , killing and scalping numerous hundreds of men, women and children