Final answer:
Historically, George Washington might have sought control over land in Pennsylvania due to its value for expansion and personal wealth, especially after contributing to the victory in the French and Indian War. However, Britain's reluctance to allow western settlement was due to governance challenges, the potential for conflict with Native Americans, and strategic shifts post-war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "If you were George Washington, would you have asked the British government for the land in Pennsylvania?" touches upon historical events surrounding the French and Indian War and the settlement patterns of colonial America. During that time, land was a critical asset, both for personal wealth and for the strategic value it held.
Considering Washington's position and the colonial expectations post Peace of Paris, it would have been logical for him as a Virginian to seek control of lands to the west, including in Pennsylvania, as these territories were seen as the new frontier for prosperity and development. Colonists like Washington, having contributed to the victory over France, felt entitled to expand westward.
However, the British government had its reasons for restricting expansion, such as the difficulty in governing and collecting taxes from distant settlers, the desire to prevent further conflicts with Native Americans, and the shift in defense strategy post-war.