1. William Pitt's Leadership: William Pitt, also known as William Pitt the Elder, became the British Secretary of State for the Southern Department in 1757, essentially taking control of the war effort. He was a strong and decisive leader who brought renewed energy and focus to the British war strategy.
2. Financial and Resource Allocation: Pitt realized that the British needed more resources and a comprehensive strategy to turn the tide of the war. He increased military spending, focused on capturing French fortifications, and secured financial aid from wealthy merchants.
3. Naval Superiority: The Royal Navy played a crucial role in gaining control of the seas. The British blockaded French ports, preventing supplies and reinforcements from reaching French troops in North America. This naval superiority disrupted French communication and weakened their positions in Canada and the Caribbean.
4. Alliance with the Iroquois Confederacy: The British forged an alliance with the influential Iroquois Confederacy, a group of Native American nations in the northeastern part of North America. This alliance weakened the French position among Native American tribes, as many previously allied with the French switched their support to the British.
5. Strategic Military Victories: In 1758 and beyond, the British achieved a series of military successes that turned the war in their favor. These victories included the capture of Fort Frontenac in August 1758, the capture of Fort Duquesne in November 1758 (renamed Fort Pitt), and the capture of Quebec City in September 1759.
6. French Financial Strain: France was facing severe financial difficulties, which hindered its ability to sustain the war effort. They struggled to provide sufficient resources and supplies for their troops in North America, eventually leading to a decline in French military strength.
These factors combined to help the British gain momentum in the French and Indian War after 1758, ultimately leading to their victory and the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which gave Britain control over Canada and other territories in North America.