1. The Importance of Furs The exotic beaver pelt Beaver pelts make excellent felt for hats Trade with Natives The wealthy in France paid big bucks for these beaver hats

2. New France New France established in 1608 by Champlain 1663; 3000 settlers in New France; mainly the colony company – the merchants The Fur trading company controls the business so there is limited French immigration – the business in dependent on the natives France takes over the colony 1662-1671: supported immigration. People didn’t want to go. -20 degrees in the winter

3. New France vs. New England 1700: New France had 15,000 settlers of French ancestry; New England had 234,000 settlers +31,000 slaves France is more focused on controlling Europe. New France loses money as a colony

4. New France’s Economy Pelts and Furs Modest fur trade revenue to the 1690s Net Loss from North America Louis XIV, 1709 “His majesty spends too much money on this colony from which he gains nothing”

5. What are the French to Do? Abandon the colony? Makes them look weak. The French use their colonies in Quebec and Louisiana to compete with the British Send troops to America? French wanted to focus on remaining powerful in Europe. Rely on Native Allies. The colony is protected and defended by the Native Peoples

6. French Interaction with the Natives How did they become allies with the natives? More French learned the Native languages and customs Ontonio and Mediation: the father figure. French officials took this role to solve conflicts between native tribes; the most favored gift in mediation was a slave Gifts, Feasts, and Diplomacy: Ceremonial gifts binded people together Indian Conceptions of Alliance: The French help the natives weaken their enemy

7. The Superpowers Fight for America Nine Years War: 1689-1697