As part of a British plan to remove French forts from the Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley, for the purposes of invading New France from three different directions, British forces under the command of General John Prideaux and William Johnson defeated the French resistance in a 20-day long siege on July 26, 1759.

As a result of the defeat, the French were forced to abandon several other forts and consolidate their forces for the defense of Quebec City. They also gave up a crucial supply center for their western forts. For the British, the victory at Fort Niagara meant control of the eastern Great Lakes.

Discussion Questions

• Why was Fort Niagara an important target for the British?
• How did the fall of Fort Niagara affect French military strategy?
• What role did supply centers play in the French and Indian War?
• How did control of the eastern Great Lakes benefit the British?

Glossary

• Siege – A military attack where enemy forces surround a fort or city to force a surrender.
• New France – The name for French territories in North America during the colonial period.
• Consolidate – To combine or gather forces in one place for strength or defense.
• Supply Center – A location where weapons, food, and other goods are stored for military use.
• Great Lakes – A group of large freshwater lakes in northeastern North America, important for trade and military movement.