René-Robert Cavelier

Definition

René-Robert Cavelier, also known as Sieur de La Salle (1643–1687), was a French explorer who led expeditions through the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, down the Mississippi River valley to the Gulf of Mexico.

Analogy

Think about being an author writing a new book series. You're creating new characters (discovering new lands) and connecting their stories (establishing trade routes). That's what La Salle did - he explored unknown territories and established connections between them for France.

Related terms

Mississippi River: The second-longest river in North America that served as a major highway for trade during early exploration periods.

Louisiana Territory: A historic region in North America that was claimed by France from 1682 until it was sold to the United States in 1803 as part of Louisiana Purchase.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.