What was the primary focus of the French in their exploration of North America?

The primary focus of the French in their exploration of North America was trapping. During the 16th and 17th centuries, French explorers and settlers were heavily involved in the fur trade, which became a driving force behind their interactions with Native American tribes and the establishment of settlements. They sought out valuable fur-bearing animals, such as beavers, to meet the high demand for fur in Europe. This not only shaped their economic endeavors but also influenced their relationships with Indigenous peoples, as the French engaged in trade partnerships, often exchanging goods for furs.

While mining and farming were important activities for other colonial powers, such as the Spanish and the English, the French primarily focused on developing a fur-trading network. Similar to the importance of trade, trapping specifically highlights the unique aspect of the French economy in North America. Their ability to establish extensive trade routes and relationships with Native Americans centered on the fur trade underscores the prominence of trapping in their exploration and settlement efforts.