La Salle and the Rise of New France

Explorer Chronicles



Between 1604 and 1682, New France grew from a small colony comprised of Quebec City, Montreal and Acadia, to a huge North American Empire that included all the lands between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. LaSalle, a visionary with boundless energy and resolve, was the driving force behind King louis XIV's acquisition of Louisiana. La Salle, Marquette, Jolliet, Radisson and Groseilliers were bold explorers of the interior of North America. This is the story of the development of New France from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The First Nations people palyed a large part in the rise of New France, both assisting through trade and alliances and hindering with raids and wars. In New France there was political intrigue, rumours were rampant and skullduggery was all too common. The weather, the wilderness and the rivers were unbelievably challenging. Our history abounds with adventure.