Robert De La Salle: Explorer of the New World

Robert De La Salle, a French explorer, was the first to sail the Great Lakes in a full-size boat. After leaving the Jesuit order, he ventured to the New World, mapping Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Despite being poisoned by a servant, he returned to France to seek support from King Louis XIV. LaSalle built the Gryphon ship, which was lost during a fur trade mission. Undeterred, he led expeditions down the Mississippi River, naming the territory Louisiana. His final mission was marred by ship losses and mutiny, leading to his death at the hands of his own men.

What was Robert De La Salle's profession before he became an explorer?

• A Jesuit priest

• A merchant

• A soldier

• A cartographer

Which lakes did LaSalle map during his first trip to the New World?

• Lake Ontario and Lake Erie

• Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario

• Lake Huron and Lake Erie

• Lake Superior and Lake Michigan

What was the name of the ship built by LaSalle and his crew in the New World?

• The Gryphon

• The Griffin

• The Eagle

• The Falcon

What was LaSalle's reaction when he realized his ship, the Gryphon, was lost?

• He gave up his explorations

• He returned to France immediately

• He was devastated but continued his mission

• He blamed his crew for the loss

What territory did LaSalle name in honor of King Louis XIV?

• New France

• Louisiana

• Acadia

• Quebec

What resources did King Louis XIV provide LaSalle for his colonization efforts?

• Two ships and a small crew

• A large army and several ships

• A fleet of ten ships and a thousand men

• Four ships and hundreds of engineers, soldiers, and families

What major challenges did LaSalle face during his final expedition?

• Lack of food and water

• Disease and illness

• Pirates and severe weather

• Hostile native tribes

How did LaSalle's final expedition end?

• He successfully established a colony

• He was killed by a mutiny

• He returned to France in defeat

• He was captured by pirates

What was the ultimate cause of LaSalle's death?

• A mutiny by his crew

• A storm at sea

• A pirate attack

• A disease

What was LaSalle's primary goal in his explorations?

• To discover new species of plants and animals

• To find a new trade route to Asia

• To establish a new religion in the New World

• To claim land for France and expand its empire