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Is it not evident that the Canadas, as well as the other colonies, have been left in a great measure to grope their way as they could through the darkness which surrounds them, almost totally unaided by the parent state?

John Strachan, First Anglican Bishop of Toronto

This painting depicts Captain John Smith trading goods with the Indigenous people of Virginia, a British colony, in the present-day United States. Credit: Sidney E. King, artist
Source

This is the discussion icon. Who’s Got the Power?

Using the Strachan quote and the image, make some inferences about the relationships between peoples in the Americas. Use the following questions as starting points:

  • Does it appear that the colonies benefited imperial powers?
  • Did these benefits extend to colonized powers?
  • Does it appear that the relationship is an equal one?
  • Who appears to have an upper hand? Can you answer this question? Why or why not?
  • What could the British settlers and Indigenous people be thinking?
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The Causes of Global Conflict

The Seven Years War (1756-1763) was the first truly global war. The principal combatants were European states fighting on four continents, often through their colonial holdings. Thus, the names by which this war is identified depends on the region, or theatre, being considered: for example, the conflict is called the Seven Years War in Europe and English Canada, The War of the Conquest in French Canada, the French and Indian War in the United States, and the Third Carnatic War in India. Each name reflects not only how the war was perceived by various communities, but also how long-term global war can be made up of numerous conflicts that are shaped by local realities. Some combatants, such as Sweden, were only engaged in local conflicts, but were tied to the larger war through alliances.

Because you have already learned about World War I and II in previous courses, you understand that global conflict has a number of causes. Some causes may be direct, meaning that their immediate consequence was war; others are indirect, meaning that they contributed to a general condition that made war more likely. Before we consider some of the causes of the Seven Years War, it might be helpful to review some of the causes of World War I and II.

Remember that the purpose of the list below is to help you frame your thinking about the Seven Years War; how did each item in the table make twentieth century war more likely?

World War I World War II

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Militarism

Imperialism

Alliances

Nationalism

Extremism (Fascism, Nazism)

The rise of Totalitarian states

The failure of the League of Nations

The Treaty of Versailles

Conflict between France and Germany over Alsace and Lorraine, territories that separated the two nations

Now that you have quickly recalled some elements of global conflict in the 20th century, it is time to apply your understanding to the Seven Years War.

This is the discussion icon. Causes of Global Conflict

After you have read the descriptions below, create a list of causes of the Seven Years War.

The Seven Years War

Below is a learning object featuring primary sources relevant to the Seven Years War. When you have explored all of the documents, you will be asked to identify and rank the causes and consequences of the war according to their significance.

Long Description

This is the discussion icon. Ranking the Seven Years War

Now that you have learned about the Seven Years War, it is time to rank its causes and consequences. Record and save the following:

  • Identify and rank your top five causes or consequences from the primary sources.
  • For each of your five choices, briefly explain your reasoning. Make sure that your explanation includes specific references to the appropriate primary sources.
  • For one of your choices, explain how it connects to any 20th or 21st century issue. This can include the causes of the World Wars outlined earlier in this activity, the minds-on image, or any other issue that you can connect to your choice.
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This is the ePortfolio icon. Your What is Worth Fighting for? Questions

What questions do you have about the personal, economic, and political causes and consequences of the Seven Years War?

Save 1 or 2 inquiry questions to your Portfolio.

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