What strategy did the French primarily rely on in North America that differentiated them from the English?

The French primarily relied on engaging mostly in peaceful trade with Native Americans, which significantly differentiated their approach from that of the English. French colonization efforts focused on building strong relationships with Indigenous peoples, emphasizing trade, particularly in fur. The French established alliances and often intermarried with Native American tribes, which helped them secure crucial partnerships for economic and military support. This strategy allowed the French to effectively navigate the vast territories of North America and capitalize on the lucrative fur trade without resorting to large-scale land colonization or conflict, as seen with the English.

In contrast, the English approach generally involved establishing larger, more permanent settlements and asserting territorial claims, often leading to conflict with Native Americans. Additionally, while both the French and English employed forms of labor to support their colonies, the French model was less reliant on slavery for economic production compared to the English, who increasingly utilized enslaved labor, particularly in the southern colonies. This reliance on trade and alliances reflects the French's adaptation to the North American environment and their intent to thrive through cooperation rather than domination.