What were France's social motivations for settling in the Americas?

France's motivations for settling in the Americas were largely driven by social, political, and economic goals. France wanted to develop their colonial empire, expand its settler population, and gain wealth and influence in the New World. The French were keen to participate in the lucrative fur trade, and developing a presence in the Americas offered new opportunities for French settlers to increase their own wealth and power. The French also had ambitions of strengthening their relations with the First Nations and building up alliances, providing more resources for the country, and establishing a military stronghold. Additionally, the French sought to spread their Roman Catholic faith and culture to the New World.