Land:
The Ohio River Valley, which encompassed parts of western Pennsylvania and Virginia, was a region of fertile land that was highly desirable for agriculture and settlement. Both the Native Americans and the French claimed ownership of this land, and they often clashed with the colonists who sought to settle there.
Trade:
The Ohio River Valley was also an important trade route, connecting the Great Lakes region with the Mississippi River Valley. Control of this trade route was essential for economic prosperity, and the colonists, Native Americans, and French all competed for its control.
Fur Trade:
The Ohio River Valley was home to a variety of fur-bearing animals, and the fur trade was a major economic activity in the region. The colonists, Native Americans, and French all competed for control of the fur trade, and this competition sometimes led to violent conflicts.
Alliances:
The colonists, Native Americans, and French also competed for alliances with other Native American tribes in the region. These alliances could provide military support, access to resources, and increased influence in the region. The competition for alliances often led to diplomatic maneuvering and, in some cases, to open warfare.
Imperial Rivalries:
The competition between the colonists, Native Americans, and French was also fueled by the imperial rivalries between Britain, France, and, to a lesser extent, Spain. These European powers were competing for control of North America, and they often used their Native American allies to further their own interests.
In summary, the competition between colonists in western Pennsylvania and Virginia, Native Americans, and the French was driven by a combination of factors, including land, trade, the fur trade, alliances, and imperial rivalries. This competition led to frequent clashes and conflicts between these groups, shaping the history of the region.