Final answer:
The French held a strong alliance with Native American tribes, which gave them an early advantage over the more numerous British forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French had strong alliances with various Native American tribes, providing them a tactical advantage in early battles against the British.
Despite the British outnumbering the French in the New World, early battles were often to the French advantage due to their alliances with Native American tribes. These alliances ensured the French could leverage tribal knowledge of the land and guerilla tactics, which proved effective against British forces in rugged frontier conditions.
Additionally, native support helped the French in sustaining supply lines and provided military aid, complicating the British colonial military efforts. This aspect of indigenous partnership was crucial until the British also increased their numbers and secured alliances with tribes such as the Iroquois, shifting the balance of power.