The English and French Fought for Fur: Causes of the French and Indian War

The French and Indian War was a major conflict between the British and French empires in the mid-18th century. The war was fought over control of the Ohio Valley, a region that was claimed by both empires. The war began in 1754 and ended in 1763 with the British victory.

The English and French Fought for Fur | Causes of French and Indian War Grade 4 | Children's American Revolution History

by Baby Professor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	77066 KB
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Print length	:	76 pages
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	10.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.36 x 10 inches

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The causes of the French and Indian War are complex, but they can be boiled down to three main factors: the fur trade, the Ohio Valley, and Native American alliances.

The Fur Trade

The fur trade was a major economic driver in North America in the 18th century. Beaver fur was particularly valuable, and it was used to make hats and other clothing items. The French and British both wanted to control the fur trade, and they competed fiercely for the allegiance of Native American tribes.

The French had a long history of trading with Native Americans, and they had established a network of trading posts throughout the Ohio Valley. The British, on the other hand, were relatively new to the fur trade, but they were quickly catching up to the French. In the 1740s, the British began to build their own trading posts in the Ohio Valley, and they offered Native Americans better prices for their furs.

The competition between the French and British for the fur trade led to increased tensions between the two empires. In 1754, a group of Virginia militiamen attacked a French fort in the Ohio Valley, and the French responded by sending a force to attack a British fort in Pennsylvania. This marked the beginning of the French and Indian War.

The Ohio Valley

The Ohio Valley was a key strategic region in the 18th century. The valley was home to a number of Native American tribes, and it was also a major transportation route between the east coast and the Mississippi River. Both the French and British wanted to control the Ohio Valley, and they fought several battles over the region.

In 1754, the British sent a force of troops to the Ohio Valley to build a fort at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. The French responded by sending a force of their own to build a fort nearby. The two forces clashed in a battle known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen. The battle was a British victory, but it did not deter the French from continuing to claim the Ohio Valley.

Native American Alliances

The Native Americans played a major role in the French and Indian War. Both the French and British sought to gain the support of Native American tribes, and they often offered them gifts, weapons, and other goods in exchange for their allegiance.

The Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of Native American tribes that lived in the Ohio Valley. The Iroquois were initially allied with the British, but they later switched sides and joined the French. The Iroquois Confederacy's support was a major factor in the French victory in the war.

The Cherokee were another powerful Native American tribe that lived in the Ohio Valley. The Cherokee were initially allied with the British, but they later switched sides and joined the French. The Cherokee Confederacy's support was also a major factor in the French victory in the war.

The French and Indian War was a complex conflict that was caused by a number of factors, including the fur trade, the Ohio Valley, and Native American alliances. The war was a major turning point in North American history, and it led to the British victory. The British victory in the war gave them control of the Ohio Valley and the Mississippi River, and it also marked the beginning of the British Empire in North America.

The English and French Fought for Fur | Causes of French and Indian War Grade 4 | Children's American Revolution History

by Baby Professor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	77066 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	76 pages
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	10.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	7 x 0.36 x 10 inches

FREE