The event that led to the start of the French and Indian War was the competition over territory and trade between Britain and France in North America. Specifically, disputes arose over the Ohio River Valley and control of lucrative fur trade routes. The war officially began in 1754 when British colonial forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Washington, clashed with French troops at Fort Necessity. The conflict escalated into a larger war involving European powers and had lasting consequences for territorial control in North America.