Why did the British want to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s?(1 point) Responses to force the French out of North America to force the French out of North America to gain access to the region’s natural resources to gain access to the region’s natural resources to put French settlers there under English rule to put French settlers there under English rule to demonstrate Britain’s strength to France and Spain
All of the above reasons were likely motives for the British wanting to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s.
The primary reason why the British wanted to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s was to gain access to the region's natural resources.
To understand why the British wanted to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s, we can look at the various options presented in the question:
1. To force the French out of North America: The British were engaged in a long-standing rivalry with the French over control of North America. Both powers sought to expand their territories and influence in the New World. The Ohio Valley region was of strategic importance as it connected the French colonies of Canada with their settlements in the Mississippi Valley. By expanding into the Ohio Valley, the British could potentially weaken the French presence in North America.
2. To gain access to the region's natural resources: The Ohio Valley was known for its abundant natural resources, including fertile land for agriculture and valuable fur-bearing animal populations. By controlling the region, the British would have access to these resources, which could be exploited for economic gains.
3. To put French settlers there under English rule: By establishing control over the Ohio Valley, the British could assert their authority over French settlers who had already established communities in the region. This would help consolidate British control over the area and extend their influence over the French population.
4. To demonstrate Britain's strength to France and Spain: The British Empire was engaged in ongoing conflicts with other European powers, particularly France and Spain. By expanding into the Ohio Valley, the British could demonstrate their military and colonial strength, sending a message to their rivals that they were a dominant power in North America.
Overall, the reasons why the British sought to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s were a combination of rivalry with the French, economic motives, establishing control over existing French settlements, and demonstrating their power to other European powers.
Why did the British want to expand control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-1700s?(1 point) Responses
to force the French out of North America
to gain access to the region’s natural resources
to put French settlers there under English rule
to demonstrate Britain’s strength to France and Spain