The Ohio Valley was the key to American independence. The Great Lakes combined with the Ohio River allowed access to the vast American interior with the promise of fertile land and immeasurable resources. The quest to control the Ohio Valley erupted into a world war: The Seven Years War. Americans refer to this war between Great Britain, France and Spain as the French and Indian War. Another phrase that describes the French and Indian War is: Freedom’s Source. (lessons developed by Sandra Stuppard, Boston Latin School teacher and 2015 Map Center Teacher Fellow)