In the early 18th century, after a French colony was founded in Louisiana, Le Moyne d'Iberville and his brother Bienville met the Choctaw, with whom they concluded a trading and military alliance. The French also supported the Choctaw in a conflict with their Chickasaw neighbours, who were faithful allies of the British in Carolina. The French had something to gain; they allied themselves with a powerful nation that was able to help them consolidate their position along the Mississippi.