Posted by Jo on November 16, 1999 at 10:22:38:
In Reply to: Disappointing NY History posted by George A. Bray III on November 16, 1999 at 07:43:51:
: I found Sarah's comments interesting, though not surprising. When I was going to high school (in NY around the Rochester area), the only mention I recall of the French and Indian War was in the 7th grade and then only recounting the events of Braddock's Defeat and the Fall of Quebec with the deaths of Wolfe and Montcalm. However, it was this brief teaching and the fact that generals were casualties that actually started my interest in this conflict. I started my personal study of the period, learned somewhere along the line of Rogers' Rangers, and eventually got into reenacting and writing. Guess the rest is history. :)
: However, I do want to say regarding these thoughts, that since I started reenacting during the Bicentennial period (but doing F&I War reenacting), the awareness of the French and Indian War to the general public is much higher than then today, and I attribute it in a large way to the movie LOTM. So besides being an interesting and entertaining film, it also allowed the war to become better known to the general public. Further, it also caused other films to be done, such as Broken Chain and documentaries such as the Archaeology show LOTM and Rogers' Rangers (the latter in which I was involved) to further bring that awareness level up.
: Though a bit early, but as I am not sure if I will have a chance later on, I want to take this opportunity to wish all the readership a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the meal and have safe journeys. I will be heading to Williamsburg and enjoying an 18th century environ.
: Sincerely,
: George A. Bray III
: Major, Rogers' Rangers
: Site Historian
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Welcome back to the board, Mr. Bray! Good to see you post...your thoughts are the same as mine; except I don't remember ever studying about the F&I war; my sons in school now have never covered it (yet); but I've taught them about it....out here in California, the schools (as far as I know of it) don't deal a lot with anything except the rudiments of basic US history which means about 10 minutes on the F&I war; anyway, I don't ever remember even hearing about Braddock at all; but I do agree with you that LOTM did raise an interest in a lot of people I have talked to about the F&I war...more so than if it there had not been a such a great movie....
And to you, and everyone, a very happy Thanksgiving...
Jo