What event sparked the French and Indian War?

The correct choice highlights the broader context of territorial competition that was a significant factor in sparking the French and Indian War. The war was fundamentally rooted in the ongoing struggle between the British and French colonial empires for dominance over North America. Both nations sought control of strategically important areas, particularly in the Ohio Valley, which was viewed as crucial for expansion and trade, leading to tensions that eventually escalated into military conflict.

While issues like land conflicts and specific events, such as the assassination of a governor or British tax policies, were relevant in the colonial context, the overarching rivalry for control and influence between the British and French colonies encapsulates the most significant and immediate cause of the war. This competition was driven by the desire for economic resources and territorial expansion, setting the stage for engagements that would later develop into a full-scale war.