Why did the british want to control of the Ohio valley?

Answer 1

There are many reasons.

1) The British had claimed all the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific. However, since the Appalachians acted as a barrier, the British had no easy access to the Ohio valley. On the other hand the French had waterway access to the Ohio valley, making it easier to settle there.

2) The British were jealous of the French prosperity in the fur-trading business. The Ohio Valley was rich in furs that Europeans wanted to buy.

3) The British were Protestant while the French were Catholic, causing a rivalry between the two.

4) The French were settling the Ohio Valley, and getting close to the Appalachians, thereby making the British uneasy.

It also had rich farmland, which is the answer that fourth and fifth grade teachers are looking for...:-)

Answer 2

Britain captured that area, so France could not use it for their own will. They gave it to the Americans so the very fertile land could be used for crops.

Source: American History class from High School

-Ilyaman

Answer 3

so they could settle and do trade.