Hello and welcome to a history of the United States.

Episode 108, the Fort William Henry Massacre.

1756 had not been a good year for the British in North America. Within one month of Lord Lowndon

taking control of the theatre, the offensive capacity of the northern frontier

had been completely destroyed. Although this was better than the condition of the Western frontier,

which had dissolved altogether, while the French and Indians were free to launch raids at

their will.

Lowndon made his plans for 1757.

Loudon had two major objectives,

which were both to undo the damage done the previous year.

The frontier in the south would be re-established as he sent reinforcements to Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

This would involve regulars, but the intention was due to provincials.

Meanwhile, the Redcoats would launch an invasion of Canada, Moving north from New York into Quebec. Then Pitt got

involved. Having come to power in late 1756, Pitt wanted to fully support Lowndon and an

all-out offensive in the colonies. This would involve 8,000 regulars as reinforcements,

which Lowndon was very excited about. But it came with a catch. Pitt wanted to get involved

in planning. Pitt said that rather than launching an assault directly against Quebec, the British

would move against Louisbourg. The French fortress we've

mentioned a few times in the narrative, which was located on Cape Breton Island, in Nova Scotia.

From here, the British would move against Quebec via the St. Lawrence. It was a strategically

better plan. Although Lowndden was concerned that it would

leave New York in a position of vulnerability. But Loudoun was a good soldier, and so he went along

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