this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2026
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Explanation: The French and Indian War was started by English colonists with, well, the French. Native American polities took both sides of the war, and it would morph into a global conflict.
The opening shots were fired under the orders of then-major George Washington (at the wise and hardened age of 22) over a mixed force of only-half-serious Virginian militia and a collection of Native American auxiliaries who were only along for the ride insofar as the English and French being at odds with each other was good for their own negotiating position and domestic politicking (fair, honestly).
... it was not a particularly stunning opening campaign, and Washington withdrew from the contested area back to Virginia in pretty short order.
That was the first time he completely lost control of his troops, so it wasn't really under his orders, it was far worse than that.
He was also issued two sets of orders. One from the British Military to not fire on the French, which the French had equivalent orders and were literally there as messengers.
The second set of orders were from the extremely corrupt governor of Virginia, who ordered him to protect the borders, including the imaginary one to the edge of the Ohio river, from the French.
Alongside him was a group of first nations loyal to the Iroquois. It is disputed as to whether the English or english-aligned First Nations shot first.
What's the Nottoway for "Look out, they're coming right for us?"