Ownership of land west of the Appalachian Mountains
The main issue causing the French and Indian War in North America was the competing British and French empires.
The main issue causing the French and Indian War in North America was the competing British and French empires. To arrive at this answer, you should read and comprehend the question and the provided options. By understanding the historical context of the war, it becomes clear that it was primarily driven by the competition between the British and French empires for control over territories in North America. Option 1 states this directly, while the other options (Georgia's northern border, ownership of land west of the Appalachian Mountains, and Mary Musgrove's land claims) are not as relevant to the main issue. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: Competing British and French empires.
