<P> The outcome was one of the most significant developments in a century of Anglo - French conflict . France ceded to Great Britain its territory east of the Mississippi . It ceded French Louisiana west of the Mississippi River ( including New Orleans ) to its ally Spain in compensation for Spain 's loss to Britain of Florida . ( Spain had ceded Florida to Britain in exchange for the return of Havana , Cuba . ) France 's colonial presence north of the Caribbean was reduced to the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon , confirming Great Britain 's position as the dominant colonial power in eastern North America . </P>
who was defeated in the french and indian war
France