France and Britain Clash

Why did conflict arise in North America between France and Great Britain?

1. Britain and France were two of the strongest powers in Europe and they competed for wealth and land in different parts of the world 2. The French did not want to share their fur trade in the Ohio Valley 3. The British built a fort in Pickawillany and the French attacked it and drove them out of Ohio 4. France and Britain competed for Native American allies (the French had Algonquins and Hurons) (Britain had Iroquois)

Why were George Washington and the militia ordered to build a fort near present-day Pittsburgh?

A group of Virginians wanted to settle the Ohio Valley. Washington was sent to tell the French that they were trespassing on land the British claimed and they should leave. The French refused. He went back and built Fort Necessity nearby the French Fort Duquesne.

Why did colonial legislatures oppose the Albany Plan of Union?

In 1754 representatives from several colonies met in Albany, New York to discuss Ben Franklin's plan for a united colonial government. The purpose of this union was to defend the colonies against the French. Despite the approval of the representatives, the colonial legislatures disapproved of the plan because none of the colonies wanted to give up any of their power.

Why were the Iroquois slow to become allies with the British?

The British wanted to take over Native American land.

What upset the balance of power between Britain and France?

The Iroquois Confederacy traded with both sides, playing one side against the other; however, by the mid-1700s the confederacy gave trading rights to the British and reluctantly became British allies.

Why did the Native Americans often help the French?

Unlike the British, the French did not want to take over Native American land