The French established their first colony in the Americas in 1534 when Jacques Cartier claimed parts of Canada for France. This marked the beginning of French colonial efforts in North America, primarily focused on the St. Lawrence River region. Cartier's explorations led to the establishment of New France, with Quebec becoming a pivotal settlement. French colonization aimed at exploiting natural resources and engaging in the fur trade, influencing both indigenous populations and European settlers. This early foray laid the groundwork for cultural exchanges and conflicts that would shape the political landscape of North America for centuries to come.