Why did the American colonics want to extend controlled into the Ohio valley in the mid 17th century
The American colonists wanted to extend control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-17th century for several reasons:
1. Resource and Land Acquisition: The Ohio Valley was rich in natural resources such as fertile land for agriculture, timber for lumber, and fur-bearing animals for the fur trade. The colonists saw this as an opportunity to expand their economic wealth and acquire more land for settlement.
2. Security and Defense: The French and Native American presence in the Ohio Valley posed a potential threat to the English colonies. By extending their control into the region, the colonists aimed to establish a buffer zone between themselves and their rivals, ensuring their safety and security.
3. Trade and Commerce: The Ohio River provided an essential transportation route for trade and commerce. Controlling the region would allow the colonists to have better access to the lucrative fur trade and facilitate the transportation of goods to and from the interior regions.
4. Population Growth and Expansion: As the population of the English colonies grew, settlers began to move westward in search of new opportunities. Expansion into the Ohio Valley allowed for more land availability, attracting migrants looking for a fresh start, better economic prospects, and religious freedom.
5. Political and Colonial Rivalry: The British and French colonial powers were engaged in a broader struggle for dominance in North America. By extending control over the Ohio Valley, the English colonists aimed to challenge and weaken the French presence, enhancing their own political and colonial influence in the region.
Overall, the desire to exploit resources, secure the colonies, facilitate trade, accommodate the population growth, and assert political dominance were the primary motivations behind the American colonists' desire to extend control into the Ohio Valley in the mid-17th century.