ABSTRACT
The overlapping territorial claims by Britain, France and Spain were certain to produce conflict in North America. This period of rebellion and war featured Britain and France inasmuch as their colonial focus was on North America. Furthermore, Spain no longer occupied a position as arbiter of European affairs, whereas Britain and France were contending for the honor. In consequence, the first century of American diplomatic activity involved the colonial aspects of the several European Wars fought to determine who would dominate Europe.
