Why did the French abandon Fort Duquesne?

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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.

During the French and Indian War, the French abandoned and burned Fort Duquesne in late 1758 as a direct result of the military campaign led by British General John Forbes.12

As part of a broader, three-pronged strategy orchestrated by British statesman William Pitt the Elder to seize key French positions, General Forbes advanced across Pennsylvania to capture the fort. Facing this determined British offensive, the French forces chose to evacuate and destroy the installation rather than defend it against the approaching army. Following the French withdrawal, the British established Fort Pitt on the site.12