The explorations of Marquette, Jolliet, and La Salle helped New France to expand. resulted in a better route to Asia. opened territory along the Hudson River. reduced the size of New Netherland.

because he is that the right

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."