Why did France send Jacques Cartier to explore North America ?
In the 15th century, Spain and Portugal began to explore America. Since they found gold and other riches in their new colonies, the —King of France also became interested — In 1524, an Italian named Giovanni da Verrazano was sent by the king of France to explore the east coast of North America. He hoped to find a route to China further to the north. He sailed northwards along the coast but failed to find the passage to China. Ten years later, in 1534, France sent Jacques Cartier to explore America. His mission had three purposes: • find a route to Asia • bring back gold and other riches • claim land for the king of France. In 1534, Cartier explored and mapped the Gulf of St. Lawrence. On the banks of the Gaspé peninsula he erected a cross and claimed the land in the name of the king of France. He met friendly Natives willing to trade furs for trinkets. Although gold was not found, he reported the abundance of fish, timber and furs. He also felt that a wide river flowing from the west c
