French New York was an important trading post for the French, who wanted access to the valuable goods being shipped from Britain to its colonies. The British had forbidden any trade with France, so when it looked like it might cause problems for London if it allowed New York to fall into French hands, they decided to take action themselves. A small French force attacked New York in November 1775, but was defeated by the much larger American militia. This attack has become known as the "Frague's First Invasion."