Question

Why did the French think they had a right to control the Ohio River Valley?

Answer 1

The French wanted to control the American Indian trade in the Ohio River Valley and keep the Pennsylvania traders out. They also needed the American Indians living there to be their allies. Unlike the British, the French did not plan to settle in the Ohio River Valley

Answer 2

The French wanted to control the American Indian trade in the Ohio River Valley and keep the Pennsylvania traders out. They also needed the American Indians living there to be their allies. ... In North America, France wanted to keep the British east of the Allegheny Mountains.