Date of Award

Spring 2011

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

History

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Cynthia van Zandt

Abstract

As the British and French went to war in 1754, the British colonies readied themselves for another round of warfare. Unlike previous colonial wars, however, this conflict was supported by the zealous preaching of Protestant clergy who were calling for the destruction of Catholic New France. Colonial governments were loath to use the vitriolic rhetoric of the clergy, but still used religion as a justification for raising troops to send on campaigns. The soldiers themselves were drawn from the populace, which was extremely religious, and saw themselves as the emissaries of the Lord. These three forces combined to make the French and Indian War a colonial struggle for the dominant religion of North America.

Share

COinS