The French opposed the westward expansion of the British colonists for several reasons:
Fur Trade Rivalry: The French relied heavily on the fur trade with Native American tribes in the Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes region. They feared that the British colonists moving into these areas would disrupt their trade and economic relations with the Native Americans.
Territorial Claims: The French saw the new land to the west as an extension of their own colonial territory in Canada. They had established several settlements and trading posts in the region and were cautious of the British settlers encroaching on their claimed territories.
Political Control: The expansion of British settlements posed a threat to French control in North America. Having the British colonist close to the border of Canada could undermine the French influence over the Native American tribes and weaken their military position in the region.
Alliances with Native Americans: The French had strong alliances with numerous Native American tribes, particularly the Algonquian and Iroquois Nations, who also opposed British expansion. These tribes were concerned about the British colonist taking over their lands and disrupting the balance of power in the region.