In France, geography had a huge effect on its development. At the peak of France’s development, it had claimed what is now known as Canada, Acadia, and Louisiana. The first land claim made by France was made by Jaques Cartier in 1534, and that was the start of France’s many claims. Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608, and Champlain also extended France’s territorial control westward into Lake Huron. Robert Cavelier also contributed to France’s claims, as he claimed the Mississippi river valley and named it Louisiana in 1612. These land claims made France a very successful country for the time. Most civilians lived in Canada where the fur trade industry was dominant.