Final answer:
General Braddock was tasked with driving French forces out of Fort Duquesne in western Pennsylvania, which was key for controlling the Ohio Valley during the struggle between British and French colonial powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Edward Braddock's mission was to drive French forces from the strategic Fort Duquesne, located at the convergence of rivers in western Pennsylvania. In the mid-18th century, this fort was a critical location for control over the disputed areas of the Ohio Valley. Braddock's expedition marked a significant event preceding the French and Indian War, part of the larger struggle between British and French colonial powers for dominance in North America. Despite his expectations of an easy victory, Braddock's force was ambushed by French troops and their Native American allies, leading to a disastrous defeat for the British.