Final answer:
The main causes, characteristics, and consequences of France's colonization of America were economic expansion, naval exploration, cultural exchange, religious freedom, agricultural opportunities, alliances with Native Americans, search for spices, trade routes, competition with Spain, desire for gold, missionary efforts, and the establishment of colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main causes, characteristics, and consequences of France's colonization of America were:
a) Economic expansion, naval exploration, cultural exchange: France wanted to expand its wealth and influence through trade and exploration, establishing colonies in North America for economic reasons.
b) Religious freedom, agricultural opportunities, alliances with Native Americans: France also sought religious freedom for its settlers and saw agricultural opportunities in the Americas. They often formed alliances and cooperated with Native American tribes.
c) Search for spices, trade routes, competition with Spain: France was motivated by finding new trade routes to Asia for spices and competing with Spain, which had already established colonies in the Americas.
d) Desire for gold, missionary efforts, establishment of colonies: Some French settlers were also driven by the desire for gold, missionary efforts to spread Catholicism among native peoples, and the establishment of French colonies.