How the French colony of New France spread into the interior of North America?

The French colony of New France expanded into the interior of North America primarily through the establishment of fur trading networks and exploration. French explorers, such as Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier, ventured inland along rivers like the St. Lawrence and Mississippi, creating relationships with Indigenous peoples. These alliances facilitated trade and provided vital knowledge about the geography and resources of the region, allowing the French to establish settlements and forts, thus extending their influence deep into the continent. This expansion was largely driven by the lucrative fur trade, which became a cornerstone of the French colonial economy.