Option 1 states that the English Company was commercially superior to the French Company. This means that the English Company had better trading capabilities, which could have contributed to the defeat of the French.

Option 2 states that the shareholders of the French Company were not assured of rich dividends. This implies that the French Company was not financially successful, which could have weakened their ability to compete with the English Company.

Option 3 states that the French subordinated their mercantile interests to territorial ambitions. This means that the French prioritized gaining and controlling land over their trading activities. This shift in focus could have led to a decline in their trading capabilities and potential defeat by the English.

Option 4 states that the English had naval superiority. This indicates that the English had a stronger navy compared to the French, which could have given them an advantage in battles and ultimately led to the defeat of the French.

Therefore, the correct reasons for the defeat of the French are options 1, 3, and 4. Alert - correct answer should be option 1, 2 and 4.