Both the French and British forces during the French and Indian War were fighting for control of territory, but that was one of few commonalities between them. In order to understand the greater outcome of the war, students will find it helpful to compare and contrast the actions of both sides.
In this activity, students will create a storyboard grid that compares and contrasts the French and the English during the French and Indian War. Students will research and describe the leadership, relationships with Native Americans, fighting styles, and outcomes from the Treaty of Paris. You may ask them to compare other elements and topics as well!
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will compare and contrast two Native American tribes that played a role in the French and Indian War. Students can research the European alliances, fighting styles, the regions they lived in and any other topic that the students found significant.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the French and English forces during the war.
Bring history to life by having students act out key events from the French and Indian War. This method helps students connect emotionally to the material and deepens understanding by encouraging them to think critically about multiple perspectives.
Select students to portray leaders from each group. Assign background information so they can prepare arguments and actions that reflect the historical figures' goals and alliances.
Encourage students to investigate their character’s perspective on alliances, strategies, and outcomes. This deepens empathy and helps them accurately portray their roles during the activity.
Set up the classroom so each group presents their stance. Moderate the discussion as students negotiate, argue, and attempt to form alliances, mirroring the complexities of the war.
Lead a class discussion analyzing how each perspective shaped the war. Ask students to connect their experiences in the role-play to the actual historical outcomes for a deeper understanding.
British forces relied on formal, European-style tactics, had stronger numbers, and formed limited alliances with Native Americans. French forces used more guerrilla-style tactics, built closer relationships with Native tribes, and focused on mobility and local alliances.
Students can research key leaders on both sides, such as General Edward Braddock for the British and Marquis de Montcalm for the French, and analyze their strategies, successes, and challenges in guiding their forces throughout the war.
The French generally had stronger alliances and cooperation with Native American tribes, often engaging in trade and intermarriage, while the British had fewer alliances and more conflicts with Native groups.
Start by labeling columns with categories like Fighting Style, Relation with Natives, Leadership, and Outcome of War. Research each element for both sides, describe them, and add illustrations to visually show the differences and similarities.
The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the war, leading the British to gain most French territory in North America, while the French lost nearly all possessions on the continent, dramatically changing control of land and power dynamics.