1. New France in the first half of the 18th century

2. I. Population Growth
From 1713 to 1752 the population of New France grew from approx. 24,000 to 75,300
85% of the population lived in rural areas
The main urban centers were Montreal, Quebec City and Trois-Rivières

3. II. Social origins of the Canadiens
Three social classes existed in New France:
(2.5%) Nobility (governor, intendant, high-ranking military officers)
(0.5%) Clergy (bishops, priests, members of religious communities)
(97%) 3rd Estate (seigneurs, bourgeois, small merchants, craftspeople, workers, censitaires, day labourers)

4. Slaves in New France:
From 1700 to 1760 about 2000 slaves lives in the St. Lawrence Valley
Most slaves were Natives who lived primarily in domicilie villages. A small percentage were Black
Most were domestic workers & had no rights or legal protection

5. III. From French to Canadien
Introduction:
Colonists of New France developed a unique culture and way of life due to:
The climate
Contact with the Natives
Colonists in the Vallee du St. Laurent became known as the Canadiens due to their unique identity from the mother country
Colonists in the Maritimes became known as the Acadians

6. Acclimatization:
Canadiens began adapting their clothing, tools, transportation… to the climate
Clothing
Transportation
Adapted Homes
Wearing warmer clothing:
boots
Hats
Overcoats
snowshoes
Deeper foundations
Slanted roofs
Double pane windows

7. Independent Spirit/Native Influence:
Habitant
A term often used to refer to Canadien farmers
Independent Spirit/Native Influence:
The habitants are believed to have developed an independent spirit – an attitude of disobedience due to:
Geographical distance from the mother country
Influence of the natives (clothes, transportation, tools…)
Symbols of the Independent Spirit include:
Bark canoe
Snowshoes
Coureur de Bois
Coureur de bois
Bark canoe

8. IV. Economic Development
Economic Diversification
1. Economic Difficulties:
Economy of New France was still primarily based on the fur trade
Most colonists practiced farming
Intendents Michel Begon and Gilles Hocquart focused on diversifying the economy

9. 2. Economic Diversification:
Intendents Michel Begon and Gilles Hocquart focused on diversifying the economy
The mother country also encouraged the exploitation of minerals such as iron ore in the Trois-Rivières region
Begon
Hocquart
Hemp
Timber
Sawmills established
Established naval shipyards
Flax

10. The Forges du Saint-Maurice
Michel Begon
The Forges du Saint-Maurice
Gilles Hocquart
Produced at the Forges:
Navy ships parts
Wood stoves
Pots
Plough parts

11. 3. Obstacles to Diversification:
Economy of New France is still primarily based on one economic activity – fur trade
Specialized labour was rare and costly
Resources were located in remote areas and were very costly to transport
The ports of Montreal and Quebec city were inaccessible in winter
France didn’t support diversification due to its strict mercantilist policy

12. Triangular Trade
Objective: promoted wealth of France
A triangular trade network between France and it’s colonies in New France and the West
Three Major Principles of trade:
Ships are always transporting rare or unavailable products to other regions in the trade network
Ships leaving the colonies transport resources to France
Ships leaving France for the colonies transport manufactured products

13. Triangular Trade

14. Agriculture
Most colonists practiced agriculture – primary crop was wheat
Colonists began producing surpluses which were:
Sold in local markets
Exported to France or the West Indies
Fishing
Fishing posts operated by colonists were established in places such as Gaspésie

15. Artisanal Work
Craftspeople of various trades emerged and settled in cities:
Carpenters
Masons
Blacksmiths
Painters
Many craftspeople would eventually settle in rural areas and combine their trade with farming