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The Civil War and Reconstruction was a pivotal era in American history.

When a war was fought to save the Union and to free the slaves.

And when the work to rebuild the nation after that war was over

turned into a struggle to guarantee liberty and justice for all Americans. I'm

I'm Tracey and I'm rich and we want to invite you to join us as we take an in-depth look at this

pivotal era in American history.

Look for the Civil War and Reconstruction,

wherever you find your podcasts. Hello and thank you for joining the American Revolution.

Today, episode six. The British take charge and the Battle of the Mananga Heala.

Last week I talked about young George Washington's attempt to push the French out of the Ohio

Valley with his Virginia militia.

That mission ended with his force killing French soldiers just sent to talk with him.

Then his men captured at Fort Necessity, Washington had to sign a document taking responsibility for the assassination of the French officer, giving France a justification to go to war with Britain.

By September of 1754, word of that summer's

disastrous events in the Ohio Valley had reached Britain. The government

decided to take decisive action.

Thomas Pelham Holmes, the Duke of Newcastle, had just become Prime Minister

following the death of his brother earlier that year.

Newcastle was a long- time wig politician who had been secretary of the Southern

Department which was in charge of colonial affairs in North America.

He understood international relations well and was a strong proponent of expanding the colonies in North America.

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