The French and Indian War, as it was referred to in the colonies, was the beginning of open hostilities between the colonies and Great Britain. England and France had been building toward a conflict in America since 1689. These efforts resulted in the remarkable growth of the colonies from a population of 250,000 in 1700, to 1.25 million in 1750.

The colonies were wholly interested in overcoming the French in North America and appealed to the King for permission to raise armies and monies to defend themselves. Despite sincere petitions from the royal governors, George II was suspicious of the intentions of the colonial governments and declined their offer....