Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, label each box with "Fighting Style", "Relation with Natives", "Leadership", and "Outcome of War".
- In the second column, describe each of those elements for the British forces.
- In the third column, do the same for the French forces.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, label each box with "Fighting Style", "Relation with Natives", "Leadership", and "Outcome of War".
- In the second column, describe each of those elements for the British forces.
- In the third column, do the same for the French forces.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about British and French Military Forces Comparison
Engage students with a historical role-play activity about the French and Indian 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.
Assign roles representing British, French, and Native American leaders
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.
Guide students to research their assigned character’s motives 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.
Facilitate a structured classroom debate or simulation of a treaty negotiation
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.
Debrief with a reflection on how each group’s actions influenced the war’s outcome
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about British and French Military Forces Comparison
What are the main differences between British and French military forces in the French and Indian War?
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.
How can students compare British and French leadership during the French and Indian War?
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.
What was the relationship between Native Americans and the French compared to the British?
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.
How do you create a storyboard to compare British and French forces for a classroom activity?
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.
What impact did the Treaty of Paris have on British and French outcomes after the war?
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.
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