Who was the French explorer that claimed Louisiana for Louis XIV in 1682?

Rene Robert Cavelier de la Salle is recognized for claiming Louisiana for Louis XIV in 1682, which played a significant role in the expansion of French territory in North America. After his extensive exploration of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, he reached the Gulf of Mexico and declared the entire region in the name of the French king, emphasizing France's imperial ambitions in the New World during the Age of Exploration. This act laid the groundwork for future French colonization efforts in the area, establishing Louisiana as a significant part of France's colonial empire.

The other individuals mentioned had important roles in the history of Louisiana but at different times and under different contexts. Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, for example, is known for founding the first permanent French settlement in the region in 1700, but he did not claim Louisiana as La Salle did. Antoine Crozat was a proprietor of the territory later in the early 18th century, and John Law was instrumental in the economics and development of the colony but came into prominence after La Salle's claim. Thus, La Salle's expedition and claim were pivotal in initiating French presence in Louisiana, marking a critical moment in the colonial history of North America.