I first discovered the Mississippi River, but also brought over diseases that liked 1/2 of the Native American population. I was the first to discover the mouth of the Mississippi River & gave our state it’s name! I loved LOUISIANA so much that I wanted show others everything I had discovered. I brought back settlers from France with intentions of establishing a permanent settlement near the mouth of the river. After having navigation. Issues, a ship taken by privateers, and my prized La belle going under, I didn't survive my second expedition. Twelve years after- king Louis had to step up his game because we want to claim the Mississippi before France. I came to Louisiana established Fort Maurepas, established Point Mardi Gras, I then returned to France to get more supplies and settlers, returned to France ,was drafted by the military, and died from yellow fever. I am great story teller. In fact one time I encountered a British ship in the Mississippi and told the captain the all this belonged to France. I went on to tell him that the French had convoys of ships in place ready to attack he and the British didn't leave immediately. My story worked! The British left & I saved the Mississippi River for King Louis and France.  

My name is Louis XIV & I hope Louisiana makes me rich! France viewed Louisiana as a way to make profit. Louisiana provided France with raw materials.(unfinished goods) French manufacturers used these materials to produce finished goods. Ideally, the French would then turn around and sell the finished goods back to the colonists for an even heftier price. This process followed an economic theory called mercantilism. My name is Louis XIV & I hope Louisiana makes me rich!

Mercantilism furniture lumber ink indigo clothing cotton Make me rich Louisiana! furniture lumber France ink indigo clothing Louisiana cotton

Mercantilism states that as a nation’s trade grows, its gold reserves increase, and the nation then becomes more powerful. To make more money from its trade, France had to export more goods than it imported. Unfortunately for King Louis this didn’t work in LA. Wars fought in Europe prevented France from supplying LA with enough supplies, so LA residents smuggled goods from British territories and traded with the Native Americans instead of purchasing from France.

Mercantilism