November 16th, 2026
Monday
INTRODUCTION
War in North America
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The French and Indian War was a conflict fought in North America between Great Britain and France, along with their Native American allies. Both European countries wanted control of valuable land, trade routes, and natural resources, especially in the Ohio River Valley. Native American nations also had their own interests and goals, including protecting their homelands and maintaining trade relationships. Although the war is called the French and Indian War, many Native American groups fought on different sides, while others tried to remain neutral.
The war lasted from 1754 to 1763 and was part of a larger worldwide conflict known as the Seven Years’ War. British and French forces, along with their allies, fought battles across forests, rivers, and frontier settlements. In 1763, Great Britain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war. France gave up most of its territory in mainland North America to Great Britain and Spain, changing the map of the continent.
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The war also had a major impact on Florida. Before the war ended, Spain controlled Florida, but the 1763 peace agreement transferred Florida to Great Britain in exchange for Havana, Cuba, which the British had captured from Spain during the conflict. This change in control made Florida part of Britain’s growing North American empire. The French and Indian War helped reshape territorial boundaries and set the stage for future conflicts that would influence Florida’s history.​
French and Indian War Explained for Beginners
BELL-RINGER:
This primary source analysis task gives you the opportunity to analyze a legal document. The Treaty of Paris (1763), signed by Great Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal, officially ended the French and Indian War (1756-1763). You will use the Analyze a Written Document handout and complete the next three sections on their own: Observe its Parts, Try to Make Sense of It, and Use It as Historical Evidence.
The definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship between his Britannick Majesty (King George III), the Most Christian King (King Louis XV) , and the King of Spain (King Charles III). Concluded at Paris the 10th day of February, 1763.
XX. In consequence of the restitution stipulated in the preceding article, his Catholick Majesty cedes and guaranties, in full right, to his Britannick Majesty, Florida, with Fort St. Augustin, and the Bay of Pensacola, as well as all that Spain possesses on the continent of North America, to the East or to the South East of the river Mississippi.
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And, in general, every thing that depends on the said countries and lands, with the sovereignty, property, possession, and all rights, acquired by treaties or otherwise, which the Catholick King and the Crown of Spain have had till now over the said countries, lands, places, and their inhabitants; so that the Catholick King cedes and makes over the whole to the said King and to the Crown of Great Britain, and that in the most ample manner and form.
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His Britannick Majesty agrees, on his side, to grant to the inhabitants of the countries above ceded, the liberty of the Catholick religion; he will, consequently, give the most express and the most effectual orders that his new Roman Catholic subjects may profess the worship of their religion according to the rites of the Romish church, as far as the laws of Great Britain permit.
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His Britannick Majesty farther agrees, that the Spanish inhabitants, or others who had been subjects of the Catholick King in the said countries, may retire, with all safety and freedom, wherever they think proper; and may sell their estates, provided it be to his Britannick Majesty's subjects, and bring away their effects, as well as their persons without being restrained in their emigration, under any pretence whatsoever, except that of debts, or of criminal prosecutions: the term limited for this emigration being fixed to the space of eighteen months, to be computed from the day of the exchange of the ratifications of the present treaty.
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It is moreover stipulated, that his Catholick Majesty shall have power to cause all the effects that may belong to him, to be brought away, whether it be artillery or other things.
TODAY'S LESSON
Map Analysis: Map of East and West Florida, 1763 & Map Identification
This map reflects what Florida looks like after the transfer of Spanish rule to the governance of Great Britain. Silently observe the map for at least 30 seconds before writing your observations on chart paper. What do you SEE on the map? What do you THINK about? What do you WONDER (what questions do you have)? Based on the information the map provides, can you even create a new title for the map?
After completing SEE-THINK-WONDER, use this opportunity to identify significant places located in Florida during the British Period (1763–1783). Some historical location names are spelled similarly on the map to what they are called today, such as Cape Cannaveral -> Cape Canaveral or St Rosa -> Santa Rosa. Meanwhile, others historical location names are drastically different from the modern name, due to old settlements that was previously in the area or the name changed from Spanish to English.
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Now identify the two British colonies, and their capitals, established in Florida at this time. Notice their locations on the map above; note whether the capitals are inland or on the coast and why are they located in such an area? Lastly, what natural feature on the map divides East Florida from West Florida? (Hint: Look for the dashed lines)
Florida's Historic Places: Pensacola & St. Augustine Informational Text
At the end of the First Spanish Period in 1763, St. Augustine and Pensacola were two of Florida’s most important settlements, serving as strategic military outposts and centers of Spanish influence. St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565, was the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in what is now the continental United States. Located along Florida’s Atlantic coast, it helped Spain defend its territory and protect important shipping routes. Pensacola, on the Gulf Coast, was equally valuable because of its deep-water harbor and access to Gulf of Mexico trade routes. Together, these settlements helped Spain maintain a presence in Florida and protect its interests in North America.
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The British, after gaining control of Florida, divided the land into two colonies: East Florida, with St. Augustine as its capital, and West Florida, with Pensacola as its capital. This new arrangement transformed Florida’s government, settlement patterns, and trade while making both cities key locations in Britain’s growing North American empire. The below articles will provide students an understanding of the two cities history / experience as the colony moves from the first Spanish Period to the British period.
Florida's Historic Places: Pensacola
Florida's Historic Places: St. Augustine
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Creating A Timeline
This video produced by the Silver River Museum in Ocala provides information about Florida, Native Americans, European explorers, and the change in governing countries. As you watch the video, record your answers to questions on the Change Over Time handout. Share your answers with shoulder partners and whole group once the video has concluded.
Florida: European Explorers in Florida
Timelines help you visualize and sequence historical events, improvise your comprehension, and provide opportunities to communicate and explain what you learned. Using the listed dates below, create a timeline in sequential order and state what occurred on that date. You may use the back of the handout above to draw the timeline, as well as include illustrations with your timelines.
Shuffled Dates for Timeline: 1513, 1821, 1783, 1763, 1565 and 1738.
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Answer the following questions to help explain the timeline of events in
Florida’s history.
1) What is the earliest event shown on this timeline?
2) How many years does this timeline cover?
3) How does this timeline connect to what you’ve learned in class?
4) How has making this timeline changed your understanding of the topic?
5) What surprised you about the events you included?
Florida's Historical Figures
Florida’s history was shaped by influential figures who helped define its identity during the First Spanish Period, British Period, and Second Spanish Period. From Spanish explorers and governors to British military leaders, these individuals influenced Florida’s government, culture, trade, and territorial boundaries. Their decisions and actions reflect the struggles between European powers. The experiences of Indigenous peoples and free Black communities also aid in shaping Florida’s development, often contributing friendly alliances and support in many resources/military services. Despite their different backgrounds and goals, Spanish, British, Indigenous, and free Black communities all played a role in shaping Florida’s history.
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To Highlight Florida's Historical Figures for all ages, there are two different experiences depending on your grade level. K-5th Grade students will participate in unscrambling the character clues: matching the correct icon, name, and description to create their Historical Figure card from the cutout paperslips. 6th-9th Grade students will watch the introduction presentation then select a historical figure to research, filling out the 6th-9th Florida Historical Figures Student Handout (Name, Colonial Period, Time Period, Location, Responsibility, and Flag.)
ENRICHMENT EXERCISES
Map Analysis: Map of East and West Florida, 1763
This activity tasks students to analyze the historic map and record their answers on the analyze-a-map handout.
Seven Elements of Maps
This activity provides student the opportunities to learn map reading and analysis skills using a road map similar to what they see on Google Maps.
Previously on #FLGeoWeek:
