Why did Britain send General Edward Braddock to North America?

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Painting of Edward Braddock and British troops in uniform advancing through dense forest, facing Native American and French fighters during the French and Indian War near Fort Duquesne. — French and Indian War British commander Edward Braddock and his troops preparing to march on the French-held Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) during the French and Indian War.

Great Britain sent Major General Edward Braddock to North America in 1755 to serve as the commander of all British forces in the region during the early stages of the French and Indian War.1

His primary objective was to counter French expansion in the Ohio Valley, where France had sought to strengthen its control by constructing Fort Duquesne at the site of present-day Pittsburgh. Britain viewed the upper Ohio River valley as part of the British Empire and intended for the region to remain open for trade and settlement by British colonists. Braddock was tasked with leading a military expedition to dislodge the French from these contested territories.1234