Beer or Ale

I watched the 1940 movie Northwest Passage which is about Roger's Rangers in the French and Indian Wars circa 1759. When they go to the Pub they always ask for beer. I would think they should be asking for ale. So what do you think you would be drinking in 1759 beer or ale?

In 1757 George Wahington recorded his "beer recipe" which indicates the term was used.

In the 1940's, historic accuracy in movies was not a priority. In that decade, the term "ale" was not in favor, anyway.

However, from the mid 14th century until the late 18th, generally "ale" represented beer without hops, while "beer" indicated hop use.