were there economic reasons that caused the french and indian war ? please help!!!!!
Almost all wars are fought mainly for economic reasons. These sites give the details of the causes of the French and Indian War.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/France/Causes-of-the-French-and-Indian-War/773
http://frenchandindianwar.info/cause.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_and_Indian_War
Yes, there were economic reasons that played a significant role in causing the French and Indian War. The conflict began in 1754 and ended in 1763 and it was fought primarily between the British and French. Here's an explanation of the economic factors that contributed to the war:
1. Competition for Trade: Both the British and the French had extensive colonies in North America and were actively engaged in fur trading with Native American tribes. The Ohio River Valley, in particular, was a region rich in fur-bearing animals, and both nations sought to control it to secure valuable resources and trade routes.
2. Control of Resources: The British saw the Ohio River Valley as a valuable resource for westward expansion and believed it could generate significant economic wealth. They wanted to secure exclusive rights to the region, which would allow them to control the fur trade and capitalize on its economic potential.
3. Rivalry in the Fur Trade: The fur trade was a highly lucrative industry at the time, and both the British and the French fur traders were vying for dominance. The French had established a vast network of fur trade routes and had excellent relations with many Native American tribes. They aimed to keep the British out of the fur trade in their territories.
4. Naval Power and Mercantilism: Another economic factor was the broader European rivalry between Britain and France. Both nations adhered to the economic theory of mercantilism, which placed great importance on building colonies as sources of wealth and maintaining dominance in overseas trade. Controlling colonies allowed nations to secure resources, establish trade monopolies, and extract wealth for the benefit of the home country.
5. Clash of Empires: The French and British colonial empires had been expanding rapidly, and their territories began to clash in North America. This expansionist drive on both sides intensified the competition and eventually led to armed conflict.
In summary, economic factors such as competition for trade, control of resources, rivalry in the fur trade, mercantilism, and the clash of empires were significant reasons behind the outbreak of the French and Indian War.