Question

what was the most important reason france was motivated to explore lands to the south and the west? to find a route to the pacific ocean to compete with spain and england for territory to discover the northwest passage

Explanation:

During the Age - of Exploration, European powers like France were in a race for territorial expansion. Competing with Spain and England for territory was a major driving force. While finding a route to the Pacific Ocean and discovering the Northwest Passage were also exploration goals, the overarching motivation was often related to out - competing rival European powers for land and resources.

Answer:

to compete with Spain and England for territory