The French and Indian War was a conflict between France and Britain in North America from 1754-1763 over control of the Ohio Valley. George Washington was involved early on when he was sent to deliver an ultimatum to the French but was ambushed instead. Later, British forces gained victories starting in 1755, leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1763 where France ceded territorial control in North America to Britain. This expanded British claims but also increased tensions with colonists and Native Americans.