What was a major motivation for the French claim on Oklahoma in 1682?

The major motivation for the French claim on Oklahoma in 1682 was the expansion of territory. During this period, the French were interested in increasing their influence and control over North America, particularly as they sought to establish a presence in the vast interior regions. This was part of a larger strategy to expand their colonial holdings and secure trade routes, especially in the fur trade, which was economically significant at the time.

The French explorers, led by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, navigated the Mississippi River and claimed the surrounding areas for France, which included parts of present-day Oklahoma. Their interests were primarily focused on territorial expansion rather than the immediate search for gold or extensive missionary efforts. While the French did engage in scientific exploration, the primary impetus was to assert their claim over new lands rather than to solely conduct research.