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many surprising insights into the methods and mores of the competing empires. The
involvement of the First Nations peoples are examined in detail and it is fascinating to
learn of the extensive role played by Jesuit priests in establishing trading stations and
settlements. In addition to the usual players such as Cabot, Champlain, Frontenac,
there are a great many lesser-known characters’ exploits described, such as
Poutrincourt and indeed Madame de Guercherville to name but two. The history
describes quite vividly the savage nature of the conflict in North America and how
settlers on both sides were frequently treated in the most terrible manner in the run up
to and in conflict itself. A good example is the description of the Schenectady massacre
in 1690, which is illustrated by one of the few pictures in the book. The “tit for tat” nature
of the aggression is clearly told, as settlements frequently changed hands or were
routinely destroyed by either side. This occurred sometimes as the result of deliberate
government policy, or on other occasions, the result of ambitious individuals’ actions.
This first half of the book effectively sets the scene for the study later of the conflict,
which we know as the French and Indian war.
The remaining eleven chapters begin by describing the events in the Ohio valley,
which eventually lead to the start of hostilities between the French and the British (as
was said at the time “did set the world ablaze”), that culminated in the final defeat of
French interests in mainland North America. Again there is a wealth of detail and a vast
range of characters. George Washington features in the initial phases, as does
Braddock and Bradstreet. However, what does come across is the fundamental
difference in approach to the conflict between the British and the French. Despite the
early reverses in the campaign, Braddock’s defeat on the Monongahela River,
Moncalm’s victories at Fort William Henry and Ticonderoga, it was clear that the British,
and indeed American Colonists, were prepared to compete in a long conflict. The British
administration under Pitt was determined to win the war outside Europe and such a
single-minded approach ensured that sufficient resources were allocated to the cause to
ensure its ultimate success. The same could not be said of the French approach, which,
despite early success by Montcalm, failed to sufficiently support that theatre of
operations. All of which was set against the backdrop of the superiority of the British
Royal Navy at the time when control of the sea in general and the North Atlantic in
particular was crucial. This all leads up to the end point of the siege of Quebec and the
battle on the Plains of Abraham which effectively spelt the end of French ambitions in
North America, and cost the lives of both Wolfe and Montcalm.
In conclusion, A History of the French War—Ending in the Conquest of Canada is a
very interesting and informative book, which contains a wealth of historical detail and
covers the entire period of the rivalry between the two empires. I found the first half of
the book particularly informative, dealing as it did with areas little discussed today, and
enjoyed the many anecdotes which helped flesh out the bare historical facts. As I said
at the start the layout and style of the writing is not exactly what we would expect today,
but that should not detract from the value of the information contained therein. For any
serious student of the Anglo-French rivalry in North America in general and the French
and Indian war in particular, this would be a welcome addition to any bookcase.
Canadian Army Journal Vol. 11.1 Spring 2008