In the 18th century, the French state had some influence over the American colonies, militarily and economically speaking, but they mainly depended on the British government. The French were trying to expand their influence throughout the colonies, their power stretching from the mouth of St Lawrence towards Canada and the Great Lakes. The French were also making claims regarding the Mississippi basin and this was a highly contended topic between the French and the British government.
The colonies feared French rule and preferred British institutions that offered much more economic freedom to individual business and did not interfere too much with individuals freedoms, such as freedom of speech.
