Final answer:
French colonialism was driven by economic gain through trade, the establishment of profitable colonies, and the aspiration to replicate the wealth of Spain. They focused on trading furs and establishing sugar plantations with African slave labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main drivers of French colonialism were the desire for economic gain through trading and the establishment of profitable colonies, as well as the aspiration to replicate the wealth of Spain by colonizing tropical zones. The French created extensive trading networks in New France, relying on native hunters to harvest furs and exchange them for French trade goods, which were in high demand in Europe. Additionally, the French colonized small islands in the West Indies, such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, which became lucrative sugar plantation sites relying on African slave labor.