The French and Indian War lasted from 1754-1763. This conflict between the British colonies in North America, and the French colony in Canada changed the imperial makeup of the continent. The most obvious outcome of this war was the expulsion of France from Canada, but many events that followed can be tied to this war.
The financial costs of the war led the British to levy taxes on the American colonists. These taxes resulted in protests, such as the Boston tea party.
This war also changed military tactics of the time. Some of these changes are reflected in modern day special forces.