What was the main conflict that led to the french and indian war?

George Washington's forays into the Ohio country shaped his career and sparked a global war.

In 1753, Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia ordered a young, ambitious 21-year old George Washington on a mission deep into the Ohio Country to confront the French. Washington’s account of his journey to Fort Le Beouf and back made Major Washington a celebrity on both sides of the Atlantic.

In 1754 Washington’s surprise attack upon a small French force at Jumonville Glen and his subsequent surrender to French forces at the Battle of Fort Necessity helped to spark the French and Indian War, which was part of the imperial conflict between Great Britain and France known as the Seven Years’ War. The following year, Washington accompanied Major General Edward Braddock on his ill-fated march on Fort Duquesne.

During the French and Indian War, Washington learned many important military lessons that he would incorporate into the American Revolution.

1745

The House of Burgesses grants one third of a million acres in the Ohio Valley to the Ohio Land Company. This land speculation company consisted of Northern Neck planters, including Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s older brother.

The Marquis de Duquesne oversees the development of a series of French forts built in the Ohio at key strategic locations.

Dinwiddie selects Washington as his emissary to the French forts. Washington leaves Williamsburg October 31, 1753

Washington hired Christopher Gist, an experienced frontier surveyor, as a guide on his first expedition to the Ohio Country.

Washington meets with Captain Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre at Fort LeBouef and presents Dinwiddie’s letter ordering the French to leave the region.

Washington’s party leaves Fort LeBouef with St. Pierre’s response on December 16, 1753. St. Pierre says he will forward the letter to Duquesne. Washington and Gist embark on a dramatic journey back to Williamsburg.

Washington is promoted from major to Lt. Colonel and placed second in command. He is authorized to raise 200 men. His mission is to drive the French out of the Ohio Valley.

Washington and Tanacharison attack a party of French soldiers led by Joseph Coulon de Villiers, Sieur de Jumonville. The Indians kill the wounded including Jumonville. The surviving French claim to be on a diplomatic mission.

At 11 a.m. the French forces surrounding Washington's position attack Fort Necessity under Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, Jumonville’s older brother. By 8 pm the French offer terms. Washington and the other officers decide to surrender.

Gen. Edward Braddock and a large force of British regulars set out from Alexandria, Virginia for the long march to Fort Duquesne. Washington volunteers as Braddock’s aide d’camp.

Braddocks' British forces, nearing their target of Fort Duquesne, are surprised and routed by a force of French and allied Native Americans. Braddock is mortally wounded. Washington steps in to help rally the remaining forces that subsequently retreat.

The Virginia House of Burgesses appropriates £50,000 for frontier defense. Washington is promoted to a full colonel and is authorized to recruit 1,500 men.

The French blow up and abandon Fort Duquesne. British general John Forbes takes possession of the ground and begins building a new fort to be named Fort Pitt. Washington and his Virginians take part in the successful campaign.

Washington resigns his commission in Williamsburg and returns to Mount Vernon. On January 6, 1759 he marries Martha Dandridge Custis.