The French first came to the New World as travelers seeking a route to the Pacific Ocean The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south and is bounded by Asia and Australia in the west and the Americas in the east.Pacific Ocean
Giovanni da Verrazzano
Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian explorer of North America, in the service of King Francis I of France. He is renowned as the first European to explore the Atlantic coast of North America between Florida and New Brunswick in 1524, including New York Bay and Narragansett Bay.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland (/ˈnjuːfən(d)lənd, -lænd, njuːˈfaʊnd-/, locally; French: Terre-Neuve) is a large Canadian island off the east coast of the North American mainland, and the most populous part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It has 29 percent of the province's lan…
Who were the first French explorers in North America?
Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I of France. In 1524, he sent Italian-born Giovanni da Verrazzano to explore the region between Florida and Newfoundland for a route to the Pacific Ocean.
How did the French first come to the New World?
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. In 1524, Francis sent Italian-born Giovanni da Verrazzano to explore the region between Florida and Newfoundland for a route to the Pacific Ocean.
How did France colonize North America?
French efforts at colonizing North America began in the early sixteenth century. In 1523 a group of Italian merchants in the French cities of Lyons and Rouen persuaded the king of France, Francis I, to sponsor a voyage by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano (also spelled Verrazzano; c. 1485–1528) to North America.
Why did Samuel de Champlain explore the New World?
Within four years he had convinced the French government that the land in North America had potential for settlement and commercial development. Now considered the father of New France and the founder of Quebec, Champlain made twelve journeys to New France to explore and consolidate French holdings in the New World.
What was France reason for exploration?
The French were primarily interested in establishing commercially viable colonial outposts, so they created extensive trading networks throughout New France. They relied on native hunters to harvest furs, especially beaver pelts, and to exchange these items for French goods, like glass beads.
Where did the French explore?
Although France did not establish permanent settlements in the territory that became the United States, French explorers extended the frontiers around the Great Lakes (a chain of five lakes along the border of present-day Canada and the United States), along the Mississippi River valley, and around the Gulf of Mexico.
When did France begin exploring?
16th centuryThe French explorers began exploring North America in the 16th century. Like many European powers, France invested, time and money into exploration in order to gain valuable natural resources from the New World.
Who were the French explorers?
Famous French Explorers You Should KnowJacques Cartier 1491-1557. ... Samuel de Champlain 1575-1636. ... Louis de Buade de Frontenac 1622-1698. ... Louis Hennepin 1626-1705. ... Jacques Marquette 1637-1675. ... Robert de La Salle 1643-1687. ... Jean François de La Pérouse 1741-1788? ... Joseph Nicollet 1786-1843.More items...
Who are some French explorers?
Jacques Cartier – Canada. ... Samuel de Champlain – Quebec and East coast of Americas. ... Philippe de Corguilleray – Brazil. ... Augustin de Beaulieu – East Indies. ... Jacques Marquette – Michigan. ... Robert Cavelier de la Salle – Louisiana. ... Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac – Detroit. ... Jean-François de La Pérouse – Pacific Ocean.More items...
Where did France explore during the age of exploration?
While Spain was building its New World empire, France was also exploring the Americas. In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano was commissioned to locate a northwest passage around North America to India. He was followed in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal.
Why did the French began exploring the Great Lakes region?
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.
What are the causes of European exploration?
Strong among them are the satisfaction of curiosity, the pursuit of trade, the spread of religion, and the desire for security and political power. At different times and in different places, different motives are dominant.
Where did France explore during the age of exploration?
While Spain was building its New World empire, France was also exploring the Americas. In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano was commissioned to locate a northwest passage around North America to India. He was followed in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal.
Where did the French explorers land and explore in America?
In 1534, Francis sent Jacques Cartier on the first of three voyages to explore the coast of Newfoundland and the St. Lawrence River. Cartier founded New France and was the first European to travel inland in North America.
Where did the French explore in North America?
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.
What did the French discover?
France established colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America. Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish, rice, sugar, and furs.
Why did Champlain travel to New France?
Now considered the father of New France and the founder of Quebec, Champlain made twelve journeys to New France to explore and consolidate French holdings in the New World.
Who was the first person to describe the coast of France?
Immediately after landing in France, Verrazano wrote a report on his expedition for King Francis I, in which he gave one of the earliest firsthand descriptions of the eastern coast of
Why did Verrazano travel to Brazil?
Verrazano's next expedition in 1527 was sponsored in part by Philippe de Chabot, admiral of France, because the king was preparing for war in Italy and could not spare any ships. On this trip Verrazano traveled to the coast of Brazil and brought back a valuable cargo of logwood for use in making textile (cloth) dyes.
What did Cartier bring to Saint Malo?
Upon arriving in Saint-Malo in September 1534, Cartier received a grand welcome. Although he had not found gold, he brought reports of a warm climate and fertile land in New Brunswick and the Gaspé Peninsula. The region had previously been considered suitable for fishing but certainly not for settlement or commercial trade. Intrigued by Cartier's report, the king began planning a second voyage. The following year he provided Cartier with three ships for a return trip to North America. Cartier left Saint-Malo in 1535, taking with him Donnacona's two sons, who had learned French in order to serve as translators.
What was Cartier's most important voyage?
This proved to be Cartier's most important voyage. Guided by the two Iroquois, he sailed west from Anticosti and entered the great river, which the French later called the River of Canada (now the Saint Lawrence River). It became the main gateway for French exploration of Canada for the next two centuries.
When did the French colonize North America?
French efforts at colonizing North America began in the early sixteenth century. In 1523 a group of Italian merchants in the French cities of Lyons and Rouen persuaded the king of France, Francis I, to sponsor a voyage by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano (also spelled Verrazzano; c. 1485–1528) to North America.
What was the French presence in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries?
The French presence became an obstacle to English expansion in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Tensions came to a head during the French and Indian War (1754–63), which marked the end of French power in North America.
How did the French begin their exploration of the New World?
Lesson Summary. The French began their exploration of the New World by looking for new fishing waters and the Northwest Passage. At first, they only founded temporary trading posts, but as profits increased and more French people found their way to the New World, permanent settlements were established, such as New Orleans. ...
What did the French exploration of the New World lead to?
The French exploration of the New World led to permanent settlements in parts of North America. Discover the overview and history of the French explorations, the establishment of settlements, the exploration profit, exploring the Mississippi River, and the legacy of the exploration. Updated: 09/13/2021
Why was New Orleans called New Orleans?
They called their colony La Nouvelle Orleans, or New Orleans, in honor of the regent of France at the time. The French Mississippi Company controlled colony until 1779, when the Spanish took control of the city. The French regained control of New Orleans in 1801, but they sold New Orleans to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
What did the French want to do with the frigid region?
Few French settlers wanted to set up communities in the frigid region. The French monarchs of the period were largely interested in trading and not in setting up permanent communities. In 1718, the French Mississippi Company founded one of the most successful French colonies at the end of the Mississippi River.
Why did the Huron tribe trade with the French?
The Huron tribe eventually developed exclusive trade relationship with the French in return for French military aid against the Iroquois tribes. French traders often lived and traveled with the tribes they traded with. Many took Native American spouses and kept extensive records about life with the tribes.
Where did Joliet and Marquette explore?
Joliet and Marquette explored from a French outpost on Lake Michigan to the Arkansas River. They encountered buffalo, which they termed large cattle, and monstrously large catfish. They decided to return to Lake Michigan when they came close to Spanish settlements.
Why were the French concerned about the Spanish?
They were concerned that the Spanish might imprison them for trespassing on their territory. Legacy of French Exploration. Although the French established only a few lasting colonies, they explored deeper into the interior of the North American continent than any other European explorers of the time.
Who was the first French explorer to establish a permanent settlement in North America?
Sieur de Robervall in 1542 captained the first meaningful attempt by the French to establish a permanent settlement in North America; he took over a camp left earlier by Cartier at the site of present-day Québec; the settlers remained one brutal winter before returning to France.
What war did France have?
Up to the eve of the explosion of European exploratory and colonizing activity, France had been embroiled in the enervating Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). That series of conflicts started in a quarrel over the succession to the French throne; Edward III of England had made a claim.
When did Sieur de La Salle explore the Mississippi River?
Sieur de La Salle explored the upper Mississippi River and Lake Michigan areas in 1679.
When did France become a major power?
By 1500, France was regarded as a major power in Europe, but would once again become involved in protracted warfare, this time with the commanding House ...
Who explored Florida in 1562?
Jean Ribault explored coastal Florida and the St. Johns River in 1562, but sparked almost immediate tension with Spanish forces in the area. Samuel de Champlain, the greatest of the French explorers, founded Port Royal (1605) and Québec (1608). Jean Nicolet (Nicollet), a companion of Champlain, explored Lake Michigan and surrounding areas in ...
Who was the first person to discover the Northwest Passage?
Spurred by dreams of great wealth, Francis I (r. 1515-47), dispatched three navigators to the New World, the first two of whom were instructed to discover a Northwest Passage to India:
What happened in the 15th century?
The tides of the conflict began to shift in favor of the French in the 15th century. Joan of Arc led her countrymen to a stirring victory at Orléans in 1429. By 1453, the English presence was reduced to the single city of Calais on the English Channel across from Dover. Considerable order and prosperity was returned to France, ...
