Why did the French want access to the Great Lakes?

Why did the French want access to the Great Lakes?

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.

Why did the French want the Mississippi River and Great Lakes?

Why were French explorers interested in claiming the Mississippi River and having access to the Great Lakes? They believed that gold was located there. They were mainly fur trappers and traders. They found no eastern coast land available.

Why did the French explore the new world?

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.

Why did the French want to explore the New World?

Why did the French explore the Great Lakes?

In the 1600s the French explored along water routes (such as the Fox and Wisconsin rivers) connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. They built forts, missions, and trading posts along the strategic routes, long used by native peoples for trade.

What did the French want to do in North America?

Besides expanding the fur trade, the French wanted to find a river passage across North America (for a trade route to Asia), explore and secure territory, and establish Christian missions to convert Native peoples.

Who was the first European to visit Michigan?

He roamed all over the Great Lakes country, and probably was the first European to see northern Michigan. Br�l� may have explored as far west as Lake Superior in 1621-23. In the 1600s the French explored along water routes (such as the Fox and Wisconsin rivers) connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River.

What did Samuel de Champlain do for the French?

Samuel de Champlain made great strides for French exploration of the New World. He explored the Caribbean in 1601 and the coast of New England in 1603 before traveling farther north. In 1608 he founded Quebec, and he made numerous Atlantic crossings as he worked tirelessly to promote New France.