First Contact with Europeans 16th century

How did Native peoples contribute to France’s exploitation of the territory’s resources as well as its attempts at settlement?

I. European explorations in north america – 16th century Motivations of Early Explorations Initial motivation: For years Europeans traveled over land to central Asia and the Far East to obtain valuables such as spices, silks and cotton In the late 15th century Turkish armies captured Constantinople, making the route extremely dangerous Europeans started searching for new routes to Asia

Constantinople

I. European explorations in north america – 16th century B) Other motivations: Expand empire/land Profit – rare goods Religion – Spread Christianity Fame

I. European explorations in north america – 16th century Key European Explorers Christopher Columbus – Spain 1492 Crossed the Atlantic and claimed Caribbean for the King of Spain John Cabot - England 1497 Explored the east coast of North America & discovered the abundance of fish in the region Giovanni de Verazzano- France 1524 Sent by the French King to explore North America and find a route to Asia – was not successful

Christopher Columbus Giovanni de Verrazano John Cabbot

II. European fishermen and whalers Europeans came to harvest the rich cod fisheries of the east coast of North America – Grand Banks of Newfoundland Reason for Demand: Fish was considered a valuable resource since most Catholics ate fish every Friday Whales They also caught whales for their blubber/oil. Reason for demand: They need blubber because they melted it and used the oil to light lamps in Europe.

III. Early trade between native peoples and Europeans First Contact While exploiting fish and whales, Europeans began making contact with Native peoples They formed a mutually beneficial trade relationship Products Traded Natives obtained new goods: glass beads axes knives hammers nails clothing Europeans obtained furs (profit) in return

III. Early trade between native peoples and Europeans Trade from Native people’s perspective Benefitted from various European goods/tools Gradually abandoned certain subsistence activities and traditional practices to obtain furs for Europeans Copper pots replaced traditional bark/wood pottery Mi’kmaq began fishing less to obtain more furs and eating more European foods (flour, dried peas, etc.) Algonquin began replacing their primarily diet of large game for agricultural products they traded with the Huron- Wendat

III. Early trade between native peoples and Europeans Established native trade relations were disrupted Created/Intensified conflicts between certain Native nations Environment was impacted by the European exploitation of resources

IV. Jacques cartier’s Voyages France sent Jacques Cartier on three voyages to New France in 1534, 1535, 1541 with 3 main objectives: Find a route to Asia Create a competitive colonial empire/expand territory Find riches

IV. Jacques cartier’s Voyages He claimed land in the name of the King by erecting a cross at Gaspe He failed to find riches He made first contact with the aboriginals, some of who were taken back to France

IV. Jacques cartier’s Voyages He explored St. Lawrence river, leading him to believe he found a route to Asia He reached Hochelaga (Montreal) and spent the winter in Stadacona (Quebec) where many of his men died from scurvy (lack of vitamin c) Aboriginals taught the French how to survive winter Conflicts erupted between the aboriginal populations and the French

IV. Jacques cartier’s Voyages Voyage 3 – 1541: Settlement at Cap Rouge Cartier was sent to New France under the leadership of Roberval with two new objectives: To establish a colony (populate and develop New France) Evangelize the natives He erected two forts at the mouth of Riviere du Cap Rouge called Charlesbourg Royal

IV. Jacques cartier’s Voyages Failures Cartier thought he had discovered gold and diamonds, but he found out it was actually pyrite & quartz He failed to set up a settlement colony because: The harsh climate and long voyage discouraged French people from settling in New France Cartier and Roberval could not agree on important decisions Conflicts between the natives and the French France was preoccupied with the wars in Europe

V. Further French attempts Sable Island – Nova Scotia At the end of 16th century France resumed its colonization attempts in North America in several new locations: Sable Island 1598 – Nova Scotia Tadoussac - 1600 Ile St.Croix – 1604 – Bay of Fundy The attempts failed due to various reasons: Isolated location Harsh climate Shortage of supplies Trade & financial difficulties Ile St. Croix– Bay of Fundy

V. Further French attempts Franco - Aboriginal Alliance– 1603 French form an official alliance with the Maliseet, Innu and Algonquin Benefits for Natives Natives receive European goods Natives receive French military assistance Benefits for the French Ensuring fur supply Alliance allows for French settlement