The Conquest

The French Take Fort William Henry

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Movement Against Louisbourg Stalled

In Halifax, preparations for the siege of Louisbourg were already compromised by poor weather when Loudoun learned early in August that a French fleet had recently arrived there. Because he was no longer assured of naval superiority, and because he felt that it was too late in the year, he decided to cancel the whole operation. In England, public opinion showed impatience and Loudoun became the scapegoat for everything that went wrong during the year. Pitt recalled him to England for reasons more political than military.

At the end of 1757 the boundaries of New France remained unchanged. France's military position had declined considerably in Europe, however, requiring mobilization of its war effort on that side of the Atlantic, while England concentrated most of its efforts in North America.