French Frontier, The

While the Spanish were finding the New World, the French had reached the height of their power. The French Monarch, Louis XIV, was ruling in a time of great power for their influence in literature and the arts. The French had lost their chance to pre-empt Spain in the New World when their king, Charles VIII, refused to sponsor Columbus. The French spent too much time in the 16th century involved in civil wars of religion. So, the French trailed Spain.

In 1524, King Francis engaged Verrazano to match Magellan's exploits. A firm French presence was established in 1608 (Quebec). Other exploits led to the Mississippi and other New France territories in North America. LaSalle founded the entire Mississippi basin in the name of King Louis XIV (Louisiana). The wars of the 18th century (Seven Years War & French and Indian War) are analyzed along with the role of Napoleon in the early 19th Century.