Final answer:
The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War in a global context, was fought between the British and French in North America and involved various Native American tribal alliances. It started over territorial disputes in the Ohio River Valley and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, significantly altering the balance of power in North America to favor the British.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French and Indian War, which is also known as the Seven Years' War when referring to its broader global context, began due to territorial and power disputes between the British and the French in North America, particularly around the Ohio River Valley. Native American tribes, such as the Huron and Iroquois, formed alliances with the French and British, respectively, which influenced the dynamics of the conflict. The war started in the colonies and later spread to Europe, overturning the pattern of previous wars that typically began in Europe and then spread to the colonies. The Seven Years' War resulted in the Treaty of Paris of 1763, which massively redrew the map of North America, granting the British most territories east of the Mississippi River, including Spanish Florida, but excluding New Orleans and Louisiana. Throughout the war, Native American peoples had varying interactions and relationships with the European powers, often siding with whichever nation offered the most advantageous trade or could best ensure their territorial interests. Post-war, many Native American tribes found themselves disadvantaged by the Treaty of Paris as their French allies had been defeated, leading to lost trade opportunities and worsening relations with the British, who were now the dominant power in eastern North America.