New France

Diversifying the economy Expansion of shipyard of Rivière Saint-Charles in Québec City. Building a tannery at Pointe-Lévy. The French State tried to get farmers in New France to export agriculture surpluses and timber. >This did not work out; too expensive and time consuming.

Jean Talon visiting a shipyard in Québec City

The furs and fisheries were the most profitable industries

An expanding territory New France covered: - Acadia (settled in 1604) - St. Lawrence Valley (“Canada”; most developed and populated region) By late 17 th century, French settled at the mouth of the Mississippi and founded Louisiana. The “Illinois Country” was also part of New France.

New France by 1745 Who else is competing for territory in North America?

Voyageurs Some colonists wanted to profit from the fur trade. They learned Aboriginal languages and even adopted some customs. They went up to the Pays d’en Haut (Great Lakes Region. By the late 17 th century, people had to get trade licenses to go get furs from the Natives directly. A Coureur de bois was someone who engaged in the fur trade without a license.

Relations with the Natives In 1650, the Huron (allies of the French) were almost all wiped out. The Iroquois now had a presence in the Great Lakes region. Huronia destroyed Some Hurons took refuge near Quebec City.

Relations with the Natives Both the French and English wanted the Iroquois to trade with them exclusively. By 1701, after conflicts, the Iroquois Confederacy signed a general peace with the French. Postage Stamp commemorating the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701.

Living in New France The effects on colonist

New France in the 18 th century Society in New France had the same social orders as in France. Aboriginal and black slaves also lived in New France. Aboriginals also lived nearby French religious orders. Third Estate 97% Nobility 2.5% Social Hierarchy Clergy 0.5%

Triangular trade New France received sugar and coffee from the Antilles. It sent furs, wood and agricultural products to France. France would send manufactured products to New France. Is there a problem with this system?

The Catholic Church The Church managed healthcare and education. Most went to mass on Sunday; social importance. Priests used mass as a way of informing the population. Evangelizing the Aboriginals. Church had economic and political power. A typical church in New France. An important part of the village.

A New Life French colonists who arrived would have to clear their land in order to grow food. The settlers had to adapt to new realities. Example: building houses with local resources. The settlers were also influenced by the Aboriginals. Example: using moccasins, fur coats and snow shoes.

A Canadien house

Canadien culture Over time, colonists began to develop their own culture. They quickly adopted French and called themselves Habitants. These Canadiens would have a great sense of attachment to the land (that they work and live on)