How did the explorer, la salle, contribute to the development of louisiana? he led a military expedition against the spanish settlements in the region. he explored the mississippi river to its mouth and claimed the territory for france. he mapped the mid-section of the mississippi river, encouraging later expeditions to discover its mouth. he established the city of new orleans to create a permanent french presence.

He explored the Mississippi River to its mouth and claimed the territory for France.

Explanation:

On April 9th 1683 French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle declared part of the territory in America a French possession and named it Louisiana, in honor of King Louis XIV.

La Salle appropriated the entire Mississippi Basin on behalf of France.

uncle sam would be tossing and turning in his grave : *)

the spanish  

hope this meaning spain btw