The Gentleman’s Magazine, and Historical Chronicle. Vol. XXX

1760

De Beer Eb 1731 G

London: Printed for D. Henry, and R. Cave, at St John’s Gate

The French realised the potential of the north west of America in the early 16th century. New France was founded, and towns like Quebec and Montreal were established on the banks of the St Lawrence River in the 17th century. By the mid-18th century, the English were also competing for resources in the region. In 1758, during the Seven Years’ War (1754-63) with France, British Prime Minister William Pitt decided to drive the French out of America for good. This article and map in the Gentleman’s Magazine describes the final and decisive pincer move executed by the English to capture Montreal in September 1760. The French surrendered to England; and as the Magazine article states the English were now in ‘quiet possession of all North America’.