What motivated La Salle's exploration and claim over the Mississippi River?

La Salle's exploration and claim over the Mississippi River were primarily motivated by the expansion of French territory. In the late 17th century, the French were interested in expanding their influence in North America, particularly in the areas surrounding the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, which were viewed as vital for trade and access to the interior of the continent. By navigating the Mississippi River and claiming its basin for France, La Salle aimed to establish a French presence and secure land that would facilitate trade, especially in fur, and allow France to compete more effectively against other colonial powers like Spain and England.

While the search for gold and riches was a common motivation for explorers during that era, La Salle's focus was more on securing territory rather than immediate wealth. His ambitions were also not purely driven by a desire for personal fame, although that played a role in the career motivations of many explorers. Mapping the American West was part of exploration, but La Salle's primary focus was on solidifying French claims and establishing settlements that would bolster France's claims in North America. Thus, the expansion of French territory best encapsulates La Salle's motivations.