When French did empire the wrong way

The theater of the French and Indian War, 1754-1763

Francis Parkman House, a National Historic Landmark on Boston’s Beacon Hill

— Photo by John Stephen Dwyer

‘‘The growth of New England was a result of the aggregate efforts of a busy multitude, each in his narrow circle toiling for himself, to gather competence or wealth. The expansion of New France was the achievement of a gigantic ambition striving to grasp a continent. It was a vain attempt.’’

— Francis Parkman (1823-1893) is considered by many to be the first great American historian. Parkman was also a noted a horticulturist. His book France and England in North America is considered a masterpiece.