The two main points that explain how the French and Indian War was a cause of the American Revolution are:
-
The French and Indian War created debts that the British tried to pay by taxing the colonists. After the war, Britain was left with a massive debt and believed that the American colonies should help pay for their own defense and the costs incurred during the war. This led to various taxes, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which angered many colonists and fueled revolutionary sentiment.
-
The French and Indian War led to the Proclamation of 1763, which was the final frustration that started the revolution. The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, frustrating colonists who hoped to settle the newly acquired lands. This restriction contributed to growing resentment against British control and policies.
Both of these points highlight the tension between the colonies and Britain that ultimately contributed to the desire for independence.