Which of the following best describes the primary economic activity in New France (French colonies in North America) during the early colonial period?

Core Concept

New France's economy was primarily based on the fur trade and exploration of the North American interior. Unlike the English colonies focused on agriculture or the Spanish focused on precious metals, the French established trading relationships with Native Americans for beaver pelts and other furs, which were highly valuable in European markets. This economic focus led to different patterns of settlement and interaction with Native Americans compared to other European colonial powers.