French Colonial America refers to the territories in North America that were colonized by France from the early 17th century until the mid-18th century. This included regions such as New France, which encompassed parts of present-day Canada and the United States, particularly around the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. The French established settlements, engaged in fur trading, and developed relationships with various Indigenous peoples. The most significant area of French influence was in the Mississippi River Valley, where they founded New Orleans in 1718. French colonists focused on agriculture and trade, often relying on enslaved Africans and Indigenous labor. The French presence in North America diminished after the French and Indian War (1754-1763), leading to the cession of their territories to Britain and Spain.