Question

Why was their political and economic tension between the British and the French? (Explain 2 reasons)

Answer 1

Answer:

Both France and England struggled to claim hegemony in Europe and exert their influence in terms of economic power and political control around the world via their control of the colonies.

Explanation:

France and England have a history of different tensions throughout much of history. They were involved in the First Hundreds' Year War  1337 to 1453 for example and the Second Hundred Years' War 1689 to 1815.  In the 17th century, this tension also spread to the New World where the French and the British had colonies. Both nations were interested in the Ohio Valley region and in 1753 a British expedition that was led by George Washington clashed with the French soldiers that were there. This is called the French and Indian War where different alliances were made with Native American peoples on both sides and they struggled for influence.  In 1759 the British won against the French in various parts of the world including in Europe, Canada, and India, for example. The French lost a lot of their influence around the world and were weakened by these war efforts, whereas the British gained control and showed it had the wealth to wage wars and control more territories economically.  Both countries had the goal to claim hegemony and exert their influence in terms of economic power and political control around the world.