Dossier 2 – How did the French settlers occupy the territory of Quebec?

The Norsemen visited North America over 1000 years ago. The settlements aimed to gain access to natural resources such as furs and more importantly lumber. They were not successful at settling the area, partly because of the poor relations with the Native population. Despite the failed settlements it is likely that these trips continued for the next 400 years.

First Voyage (1492)  Bahamas Gold Tobacco Second Voyage (1493)  Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic & Haiti Slaves Tribute Third Voyage (1498)  Trinidad & Venezuela Governor of Hispaniola Arrest & pardon Fourth Voyage (1502)  Honduras, Nicaragua & Costa Rica Rumors Stranded

Made three voyages to North America between 1497 and The first ended after Cabot’s ship ran out of supplies and had to return to England. During the second trip Cabot landed in Newfoundland and claimed it for England. Little is known of the final trip but it is assumed that Cabot’s fleet was lost at sea.

In 1534, Cartier was commissioned by the French crown to explore the St-Lawrence. On his first trip he planted a cross in order to claim the land in the name of France. During his three voyages he was unable to settle the land.

The French soon realized that in order to settle North America they would have to appease the Natives. Despite this the French never considered asking the Native for permission to settle. They did not recognize Native ownership of the land because they did not have public institutions and were not Christians. “Ni Roi, Ni Loi, Ni Foi”

Champlain was much more capable at building trading relationships with the Natives than Cartier. In 1608, he founded Quebec along the St-Lawrence in order to facilitate the fur trade. And in 1634, he founded Trois-Riviere to improve the communication with the Natives and protect the fur trade from the Iroquois.

Champlain had good ties with the Algonquin and Huron and as a result he was asked to accompany them into battle against the Iroquois. This battle took place near what was to be renamed Lake Champlain. Champlain armed with his arquebus, and joined by two other Frenchmen, joined the group of 60 Native warriors and left in search of the Iroquois

When they finally met the enemy they were out numbered by more than 3 to 1. Despite being at a disadvantage Champlain managed to shoot and kill two of the Iroquois chiefs, while his soldier shot the third. The Iroquois fled strengthening the relationship between the French and their Native allies. Despite this victory, the French were at war with the Iroquois for the next 100 years until the signing of the Great Peace of Montreal.

New and more violent wars between Natives Trade Firearms Disease Smallpox Assimilation Christianity Sedentary lifestyle French laws and values

Of the French that settled in Canada only one third of them survived. In 1627, the King of France made the Company of One Hundred Associate responsible for populating the colony. Although they were successful at attracting a few hundred people (mostly men coming to trade or soldiers) this was well under what they had promised. As a result the King of France decided to take responsibility for the development of New France.

In 1663, following the advice of his Finance Minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the King created the position of Intendant. The Intendant would be in charge of the settlement and planning of the colony. The first Intendant to be appointed was none other than… Jean Talon!!

Talon wanted to increase and diversify the population. He implemented various measures to attract more women, craftsmen, merchants and farmers. This wave of immigrants coming to New France belonged to three main groups. Engagés Soldiers Filles du Roy

Engagés 36 month contracts to pay for their travel expenses. Chance to obtain title of master craftsmen. Encouraged to stay at the end of their contracts. Soldiers Sent to ensure the colonist’s security and to contain the Iroquois threat. Many stayed because of money and land incentives. Filles du Roy Girls old enough to get married and often orphans. The King of France offered them a dowry if they got married upon arriving in New France.

Jean Talon’s policies worked well and thousands of people left for New France. Many of these immigrants saw advantages in the new colony. Land was much cheaper in New France Women could easily find a husband The fur trade business of many immigrants economic stability.

You are Jean Talon and are in charge of populating the colony of New France. Despite your immigration policies being successful Minister Colbert (your boss) is worried that too many people are leaving France for the colony. In order to put Colbert’s worries to rest (and keep your job) you will write a letter to him stating your new plan and the new policies you wish to put forth.

Remember! Be professional Describe your new plan in detail Back up your decisions

Despite Jean Talon’s immigration policies being successful, the Finance Minister Colbert was worried that the population of France decrease. Talon implemented new policies to support a rising birth rate. 20 livres to men who got married before the age of livres to women who got married before the age of livres yearly to families of more than 10 kids 400 livres yearly to families of more than 12 kids

Furthermore Talon instituted punishments for people who did not have children. Fur trade bans for men who did not get married within 15 days of the arrival of les Filles du Roy Taxation on father who had single children who were of age to marry These policies worked well and the natural growth of the population increased over time.