What was the primary cause of the French and Indian War?

The primary cause of the French and Indian War was rooted in territorial disputes over the Ohio Valley. In the mid-18th century, both the British and the French were vying for control of this strategically important region, which was rich in resources and essential for expanding their respective colonial claims. The Ohio Valley served as a key area for trade, agriculture, and military positioning, leading to heightened tensions as both colonial powers sought to assert their influence over the land.

British settlers were moving westward, encroaching on territories that the French had already claimed, which included alliances with various Native American tribes. The competition for land and resources escalated, resulting in a series of skirmishes that ultimately contributed to the broader conflict known as the French and Indian War, which was part of the global Seven Years' War.

While factors such as trade disagreements and colonial disobedience played roles in the broader context of colonial relations with European powers, they were not the primary catalyst for the war itself. The conflict was primarily about control of territory rather than religious disputes, trade policies, or issues regarding compliance with colonial governance.