1. French Explorers

2. French In North America
Spain was 1st nation to claim lands in the Americas
France built settlements in Canada
English founded Jamestown in 1607
French didn’t value gold, valued furs
Looked for a passage to Pacific Ocean, thought Mississippi river provided shortcut
Explorers called shortcut Northwest passage
LaSalle claimed land around the Mississippi River and called it Louisiana
Spain/France are at war
Set up Fort at mouth of Miss. For trade, and point to attack Mexico

4. La Salle’s Expedition La Salle was difficult to get along with
Sailed past the Mississippi River, & shipwrecked at Matagorda Bay – flagship was La Belle
Built Fort St. Louis
Karankawas were hostile w/ them
La Salle went in search of Miss. River
Traveled as far as Neches River
Men staged mutiny and killed La Salle
Karankawas destroy Ft. St. Louis, only 5 survived which were taken captive
Spanish set out to find French