Final answer:
The French preferred trade over permanent settlement in North America due to mutually beneficial relationships with Native Americans, challenging terrain, and economic opportunities through trade.
Explanation:
The French preferred trade over permanent settlement in North America for several reasons:
- Trade provided cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships with Native Americans, establishing alliances based on honesty and respect.
- The terrain was challenging, making permanent settlement difficult, so trade offered a more practical option.
- Opportunities to locate and exploit the best resources through trade, particularly in the lucrative fur trade, contributed to the preference for trade.
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