How I’m Going to Teach the French and Indian War in the Age of ChatGPT

Not at all like I did in years gone by

Over the years, I have always taught the French and Indian War the same way.

I would kick things off by directing my students to read a four-page CRF-produced article, titled “Clash of Empires: The Fight for North America,” with this reading designed to provide the students with a concise overview of the war’s main events and crucial figures.

Then, in groups of seven, I would challenge the students to create a script for a hypothetical talk show named “APUSH Today: Issues and Answers.”

“Write the script,” I would say, “as if the show had aired on the eve of the French and Indian War and make sure that the core question to be discussed and debated is “Who Has the Right to Claim North America?”

Then to close out, I would require each student in each group to assume one of the following roles:
1. Host: Joe Titan
2. King George II of Great Britain
3. King Louis XV of France
4. A French Canadian fur trapper from the Great Lakes region
5. An American settler from the Ohio Valley
6. A Native American chief in alliance with the French
7. A Native American chief in alliance with the British

The culmination was the performance phase. Here, students would be expected to bring their scripts to life, reenacting the sentiments, stances, and tensions of their characters as they might have been on the eve of the war.

True, this method often resulted in the students acquiring a deep, profound, and long-lasting understanding of the history of the French and Indian War, but it would also typically take me many class hours to get them there.

So, this year, I’m going to go down a different path.

Instead of starting the scriptwriting from scratch, I’ve taken one of the more insightful student scripts from past years and asked ChatGPT to enhance and refine it.

The AI-assisted result? A script that not only stays true to the essence of the era but also possesses a level of depth and sophistication previously unattained.

This Friday, I’ll place this script before seven of my more theatrical students, giving them the weekend to prep. Then, on Monday in class, they will ‘stage the show,’ culminating with a Q&A session led by the host.

My goal here is to get them to learn about the history of the French and Indian War, enjoy the learning experience, and learn about the war in far less time than in years gone by.

Here’s the script:

(Smooth jazz playing as the show begins)

Joe Titan: Hello everybody and welcome back to yet another segment of APUSH Today: Issues and Answers. My name is Joe Titan, and for the next forty-five minutes, we’re going to take a close look at the question of who should own North America.

In this regard, I’m now going to bring before you six very special guests — King George II of Great Britain, King Louis XV of France, a French Canadian fur trapper, an American settler living in the Ohio Valley, and two Native American leaders. All with something worthwhile to say as it relates to the question of who should own North America.

(Applause as the camera zooms into Joe)

Joe Titan: To start things off, I’m now going to step right over here, welcome King George II of Great Britain onto our stage, and begin by asking this question: Your Highness, how do you justify Great Britain’s claim to Ohio Valley?

King George II: Joe, the British claim is built upon exploration, established colonies, trade, and most importantly, the willingness of my subjects to migrate here for a better life. These territories are and should be viewed as an extension of the British Empire, and our presence here contributes to the prosperity and stability of the region.

Joe Titan: Thank you, your highness. (Joe now turns his attention to the next guest) King Louis XV of France, you’ve heard what King George has said. Why does France feel it has a legitimate claim to the Ohio Valley?

King Louis XV: Joe, while the British have been developing their colonies east of the Appalachians, we, the French, have been exploring and trading west of the Appalachians for centuries. Our bond with the indigenous people there, the fur trade, and our established forts and territories from Canada down to the Mississippi, showcase our commitment and relationship with this land. It’s our land. Not there’s. The English need to get out!

Joe Titan: Intriguing! Let’s hear from someone on the ground. Monsieur Jacques Bellerose, as a French Canadian fur trapper, what do you see as the future of North America?

Jacques Bellerose: Bonjour Joe. As someone who has lived in the Great Lakes region just north of the Ohio Valley, I see a land rich with opportunity, but a land that belongs to the French. We have built good relations with the native tribes there — I am even married to a Native American ans this is because the French way of life complements the Native American way of life. So in my eyes, this land, this Ohio Valley, the Great Lakes region too, it will all thrive best under French influence.

Joe Titan: Thank you, Jacques. Now, Mr. Thomas Caldwell, as an American settler who moved to the Ohio Valley, how do you perceive ownership of this land?

Thomas Caldwell: Joe, when I came west, it wasn’t about politics or kingdoms. It was about opportunity. I couldn’t find good land to farm in the east, but here, it’s bountiful. To me, whoever offers the best prospects for folks like me should govern these lands. And that’s the English.

Joe Titan: Fascinating. Chief Tall Bear, you’ve chosen to ally with the French. Why?

Chief Tall Bear: The French trade with us and respect our ways. They do not desire to settle vast areas, unlike the British. They offer tools, goods, and partnerships. My tribe believes in a shared land with them.

Joe Titan: Interesting perspective. Lastly, Chief Red Hawk, you’ve allied with the British. Why do you believe they should have a claim to North America?

Chief Red Hawk: While it’s true the British expanded rapidly, they also brought advanced technology, trade, and promised protection against rival tribes. We believe, for the future of our people, this alliance is strategic.

Joe Titan: Such varied and passionate views!

(Joe then turns to the audience for questions; then five minutes before the show is to end, Joe says)

Joe Titan: Folks, I see our time is nearly up, but in the few minutes we have left, I want to share with you my thoughts on all of this. For starters, I have to say that as I sit here today surrounded by these differing perspectives, I find this question extremely difficult to answer. On one hand, both Britain and France present compelling arguments based on exploration, settlement, and trade. On the other hand, the Native Americans have been here for centuries, long before either European power arrived.

Yet, as we approach what seems to be a war between Britain and France, I fear for the Native Americans. Regardless of which side they choose to ally with, whether it be the British or the French, I can’t help but think that in the grander scheme of things, they will be the ones who stand to lose the most. The onset of war, with its ensuing chaos and shifting allegiances, will surely leave scars. But beyond the war, as both European powers continue to expand, fueled by their technological and military might, I fear they will encroach upon the very lands these tribes call home.

It pains me to say it, but I suspect that regardless of whether the British or the French emerge victorious, the Native Americans might ultimately be driven from their ancestral territories.

(Sighs deeply)

Joe Titan: Only time will tell. Let’s hope for understanding and collaboration in the days ahead. For now, that’s all we have for today’s segment of APUSH Today: Issues and Answers. Stay informed and remember that understanding our past is crucial to shaping our future. Goodnight!

(Cue outro music and the showing of this slide)