Why did French explorers come to America?
Thereof, why did the French come to America?
The reasons for the French Immigration to America were for a variety of reasons including religious and political persecution and natural disasters such as the potato blight that caused hunger and famine. Also refer to Examples of PUSH and PULL Factors of French Immigration.
Similarly one may ask, why did French explorers come to North America?
This is the first map showing the Detroit River. Besides expanding the fur trade, the French wanted to find a river passage across North America (for a trade route to Asia), explore and secure territory, and establish Christian missions to convert Native peoples.
The French began their exploration of the New World by looking for new fishing waters and the Northwest Passage. At first, they only founded temporary trading posts, but as profits increased and more French people found their way to the New World, permanent settlements were established, such as New Orleans.