<P> The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century , and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere . France founded colonies in much of eastern North America , on a number of Caribbean islands , and in South America . Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish , rice , sugar , and furs . </P>
<P> The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century , and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere . France founded colonies in much of eastern North America , on a number of Caribbean islands , and in South America . Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish , rice , sugar , and furs . </P>
when did the french first settle in canada
when did the french first settle in canada
in the 16th century
in the 16th century