The French came to North America in search for a Northwest Passage to Asia. They traveled west through the Great Lakes and found the Mississippi River. They initially landed in Canada, but later traveled south down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and claimed all the land
that drained to the river. The French called that claim New France. French colonists traded with the native people, especially for beaver pelts, which brought a great deal of wealth to France.

According to the passage above, EXPLAIN which reason motivated European colonization.

Criteria for Success:
Identify the reason for colonization.
Describe the reason by providing details about what it means.
Explain why it is the reason by providing text evidence.