Third intercolonial War

The third intercolonial war American took place of 1744 with 1748 between the provinces Frenchwoman and English of Canada. It is an element of the War of succession of Austria (1744 - 1748).

Causes

In America, the competition is always also sharp between the English colonies and the French colony. During thirty years of peace (1714-1744) which followed the Second War intercolonial (1702-1713), France and England got busy to reinforce their positions by multiplying the forts and fortresses on their territory. The French set up the fortress of Louisbourg on the royal Island (Island of the Cape Breton) to ensure a French presence in Acadie.

The fur and fishing are always stakes of the conflict, but new was added there: the territory in the west of the the Appalachian Mountains, the valley of Ohio. The English colonies of the Atlantic littoral consider this space as a natural prolongation of their territory while the French do not want to sacrifice the road by which they pass to go in remote the Louisiana, their possession of the Gulf of Mexico.

Unfolding

News-France does not have the means of launching attacks of scale, and is satisfied with small attacks on villages of New England. For their part, the inhabitants of Boston want absolutely to get rid of the awkward presence of Louisbourg and they organize, in 1745 the seat of the fortress which must capitulate after a little more than 40 days, to the great amazement of the French who had however qualified it the impregnable one.

France tries to take again its fortified town in 1746 but it is a complete failure. However, it makes a success of a blow of glare in India while seizing Madras, an important spice counter for England.

Conclusion

When the war finishes in 1748 by the Traité of Aachen, deciding to return to the situation of before the war, France exchanges with England Madras against Louisbourg. Louisbourg thus continues to ensure a French presence in the Golfe of the St. Lawrence.

Random links: