Treaties are a common way to end conflict, but the compromises they make don't always work out in everyone's favor. Understanding who got what (or didn't get what) after the French and Indian War is helpful for students, especially as they progress through American and European history.
In this activity, students will create a spider map depicting the numerous outcomes of the French and Indian War as dictated by the Treaty of Paris. For each cell, students should include a description of the specific outcome and include a visual representation for each. Students will consider how each outcome impacted the French, British, Spanish, Native Americans, and Colonists.
Extended Activity
In this activity, students will select what they find to be the most significant outcome of the French and Indian War and create a spider map that answers the "5 Ws" to further explain the significance of the event. Students will then be able to further compare and contrast the outcomes and discuss how treaties favor different groups.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that analyzes the outcomes of the Treaty of Paris.
Foster critical thinking by organizing a structured class debate where students take on perspectives of different groups affected by the Treaty of Paris 1763. This engaging activity helps students analyze historical impacts and voice evidence-based arguments.
Select students to represent the British, French, Spanish, Colonists, and Native Americans. Assigning roles ensures every group’s viewpoint is explored, making the debate more comprehensive and interactive.
Give students class or homework time to research how their assigned group was affected by the treaty. Encourage note-taking and gathering of supporting evidence to strengthen their arguments during the debate.
Explain the debate rules, speaking order, and time limits. Establishing structure keeps the discussion focused and fair, allowing each group to present and respond effectively.
Guide the debate by asking probing questions and ensuring all voices are heard. Encourage students to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to differing viewpoints.
After the debate, lead a reflection on which group gained or lost the most and why. This step helps students synthesize information and connect historical events to broader themes.
The Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the French and Indian War, resulting in France ceding most of its North American territories to Britain, Spain gaining Louisiana, and Native Americans losing significant land and influence. The treaty reshaped the power balance in North America.
The British gained vast new territories, French influence was greatly reduced, Spain received Louisiana, Native Americans lost land and autonomy, and Colonists faced new taxes and restrictions, all leading to future conflicts.
A spider map activity is a visual organizer where students illustrate and describe the different outcomes of the Treaty of Paris for each group involved. It helps students better understand and remember the treaty's impacts.
The Treaty of Paris 1763 is significant because it marked the end of major colonial conflict between European powers in North America, set the stage for the American Revolution, and altered the political landscape for years to come.
Students can compare outcomes by identifying what each group gained or lost, discussing the short- and long-term effects, and using tools like a spider map to visually organize the differences and similarities among groups.