French settlers came to America for all the following reasons except:
to convert Native Americans to Christ
gold
adventure
furs
And you think … ?
To determine which one of the options is the exception, we need to consider each reason and eliminate the one that does not apply to the French settlers coming to America. Let's go through each option:
1. To convert Native Americans to Christ: One of the reasons for European colonization in America was indeed religious conversion, particularly among the Spanish and English settlers. The French, however, had a more pragmatic approach and did not emphasize converting Native Americans to Christianity as much as other European nations did. Therefore, this reason could be a potential exception.
2. Gold: The search for precious minerals, including gold, was one of the key motivations for European colonization in the Americas. Numerous explorers and settlers, including the French, hoped to discover valuable resources that could bring wealth and prosperity.
3. Adventure: Many European settlers, including the French, ventured to the Americas in search of new experiences, adventure, and the opportunity to explore uncharted territories. This desire for exploration, combined with the potential for economic gains, motivated numerous individuals to migrate to the Americas.
4. Furs: The fur trade played a significant role in the French colonization of North America. French settlers, particularly those in New France (present-day Canada), established fur trading posts and developed alliances with Native American tribes to obtain valuable furs for trade in Europe.
Based on the reasons mentioned above, the exception among the options is "to convert Native Americans to Christ." While religious conversion was an important motivation for other European colonizers, it was not a primary objective for French settlers in America.