Seigneurial System

Farming: Most settlers were farmers The soil was rich but it was hard work Why? Land had to be cleared Soil needed to be broken for seeding Only hand tools available Short growing season Eventually 90% of the inhabitants of New France would live off the land

Why the seigneurial system? Trading Companies had not been successful in attracting immigrants to New France Immigration was needed to stave off English expansion Land holding system similar to the Feudal System Make the seigneur reponsible for finding people to farm his land

What was a Seigneury? An area of land given to a person of status ( it could be bought) Started in 1627 under Richelieu The land was divided into long strips so that each farm may boarder with the river or a lake These seigneuries were to be clustered around the three main settlements of Quebec, Trois Riverier and Montreal

What was a Seigneur? The person who the king leased the land to. They had to promise loyalty to the king in return for the land Promised to colonize Find centsitaires (farmers/habitant) to clear land Build oven, mill Protect habitants Help build roads and repair them Collect cens/rent Report minerals found to the king Report oak trees Had to develop land or it would be lost

The seigneur had to live on the estate He must build a ‘domaine(manor)

The Habitant or Censitaire He must pay rent for roture (land) Pay rent for use of the common Clear land Expected to work for the seigneur three to four days a year Defend seigneury if attacked Fish, grain, work days could be given in lieu of cash