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Why did the French start exploring?

Why did the French start exploring?

The French first came to the New World as explorers, seeking a route to the Pacific Ocean and wealth. Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I of France.

Why did France explore and settle?

Background. The French first came to the New World as travelers seeking a route to the Pacific Ocean and wealth. Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I, King of France.

What was the goal of French exploration?

French colonization in the Americas was backed by three main goals, namely shifting the excess population of France to the colonies and giving settlers greater opportunities for success, making money, especially through the fur trade, and spreading the Catholic faith through missionary activities among the Native …

What areas did the French settle explore?

New France, French Nouvelle-France, (1534–1763), the French colonies of continental North America, initially embracing the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Newfoundland, and Acadia (Nova Scotia) but gradually expanding to include much of the Great Lakes region and parts of the trans-Appalachian West.

Why did the French first begin exploring the Great Lakes region?

For the early French explorers, the more continent they discovered the more their hopes were frustrated. They had hoped that the vast St. Lawrence-Great Lakes waterway was part of a Northwest Passage to the wealth of the Orient. They were eager to hear word of salt water and strange people to the west.

When did France start exploring?

In the early sixteenth century, it joined the race to explore the New World and exploit the resources of the Western Hemisphere. In 1534, navigator Jacques Cartier claimed northern North America for France, naming the area around the St. Lawrence River New France.

What did France colonize?

The French colonial empire in the Americas comprised New France (including Canada and Louisiana), French West Indies (including Saint-Domingue, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago and other islands) and French Guiana. French North America was known as ‘Nouvelle France’ or New France.

How did the goals of the French in the Americas differ from the goals of other European countries?

How did French goals in the Americas differ from the goals of other European nations? The French wanted to make profits rather than settle land. A nation’s power was based on its wealth, which was increased by acquiring gold and silver and developing trade. Overseas territories were seen as potential sources of wealth.

How did French explorers differ from Spanish explorers?

How did French and Spanish explorers differed most in terms of their? The French explorers had a good relationship with the Natives, they did not try to change the Natives, they did not compete with them for land. Spanish explorers treated the Natives with inferiority, slaving them in the Caribbean and South America.

Why did the French explorers travel to Michigan What were they looking for and what did they end up doing?

Explorer Etienne Brule traveled through Michigan in 1618 searching for a route to China. Soon the French laid claim to the land and began to trade with the local natives for furs. Men called “voyageurs” would travel the rivers by canoe trading various goods for furs that would bring a high price back in Europe.

Who were the first French explorers in America?

Samuel de Champlain established the first successful French settlement. Samuel de Champlain explored the Ohio Valley and established a colony there in 1603. Alexis de Tocqueville explored the area west of the Mississippi and claimed it for France. The very first French explorers successfully settled North America.

Why did the French and other Europeans come to North America?

The French and other Europeans came to North America for several different reasons. One of those reasons being because the Muslims took over the area of Constantinople (Turkey), and would not let the Europeans go through to India so they could trade with China. The Europeans then decided they would try going around Africa,…

Who were the French explorers in the New World?

Jacques Cartier, Verrazano and France in the New World. Portrait of Jacques Cartier by Auguste Lemoine 1895 after François Riss. Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) was the first French Explorer to explore the New World. He explored what is now Canada and set the stage for the great explorer and navigator Samuel de Champlain to begin colonization of Canada.

Why did the French colonize North America?

France colonized North America because of the great amount of furs they found there. The French traded with the Indians for furs that they then took back and sold in Europe because people were willing to pay a lot of money for furs in Europe.