During the French and Indian War American newspapers began covering the war and printing stories from people on the soldiers, including George Washington

Along the way to the Ohio Valley, Washington noticed a strategic location near present day Pittsburgh. He reported this location to the English, who set out to build a fort at this strategic position. While building the fort, the French attacked the English group and built their own fort, Fort Duquesne, in its place. This began the French and Indian War in America, but war was not officially declared between England and France until 1756. This can be seen in a short timeline listed below describing events during and leading up to the French and Indian War.

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  When reporting news in the 18th century, newspapers often just published letters or diaries they received from soldiers or other people who had experienced the event firsthand. Students should choose a perspective to write from, such as a soldier, soldier’s wife, or a government official (French or British).
  

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  First research the following questions, which will later be discussed in their newspaper article:
  

-         What happened? Who won? Who lost? And what was won?

-         What effect did that event have on the war?

-         Where there any major people involved in the event (ie: George Washington)?

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  As an extension, students should also consider designing ads, drawing political cartoons, or writing other stories they think would appear at that time period, making the newspaper an authentic 18th century publication.