'La Salle, Discovery of The Great West' Summary

Francis Parkman's 'La Salle' is the third volume of his multi-volume series 'France and England in North America.' It delves into the life of René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer and colonizer who played a pivotal role in the expansion of New France. The book begins with La Salle's early life and his ambitious plans for exploring and controlling the vast territories of North America. It narrates his expeditions to the Great Lakes, where he established trading posts and fortified settlements, ultimately setting his sights on the legendary 'Great River' which he believed would lead to the Pacific Ocean. The account details La Salle's successful exploration of the Mississippi River, his attempt to establish a French colony at its mouth, and his eventual tragic death at the hands of his own men during a journey back to Canada. The book examines La Salle's complex relationship with Native American tribes, depicting the challenges of navigating intertribal alliances and conflicts, and highlights the challenges of colonial life in the unforgiving wilderness. Parkman provides insights into the political and economic struggles of the French empire in North America, the rivalry with England, and the broader context of European colonialism in the 17th century. This volume stands as a testament to La Salle's remarkable adventures and the impact his explorations had on the shaping of North American history.