1. STRUCTURE OF COLONIAL SOCIETY (Module 2 Section II #1) Internal and External Political Structures of Colonial Life Royal Government

2. Recap and Outline The colony of New France was administered by companies until 1663. The King of France granted “charters” or monopolies over the fur trade in return for the promise of populating the area. Companies discovered that the fur trade was very lucrative and settlement would impede profit making. Thus, companies did not make an effort to populate their area. In 1663, King Louis 14 th of France decided to make New France a royal province with the intention of encouraging settlement. He took direct control of the colony canceling the charters given to companies. He set up a system of “Royal Government” placing the colony under supervision of his Minister of Marine which lasted until the English conquest in 1760.

3. Major Goal  Build a society which mirrors that of the mother country (France).  Ergo, build internal infrastructure and political institutions similar to those found in France.  Great idea….however….the geography and landscape are very different compared to that of France. Result, a new society was slowly emerging and adapting to its environs.

4. Absolute Monarchy  The King of France was an absolute monarch. His will was the law.  King named all officials and the power to recall them at any time.  King had central decision making powers and people had no say in how society was run (undemocratic system of government).  All major decisions in New France had to be approved by the King in France. Responses and decisions took great time as they had to traverse the Atlantic Ocean (sometimes up to 1 year).

5. Structure of Royal Government King Louis 14 th appointed a Minister Of Marine who administered the dealing of the colony from France. The minister lived in France and made decisions from France. King Louis 14 th appointed a Minister Of Marine who administered the dealing of the colony from France. The minister lived in France and made decisions from France. The king also appointed 3 key administrators who represented the crown and the Minister of Marine in New France. They were the governor, the intendant, and the bishop. The king also appointed 3 key administrators who represented the crown and the Minister of Marine in New France. They were the governor, the intendant, and the bishop.

6. Governor  King’s representative in New France (highest in France).  Responsible for soldiers and defending the colony (military issues).  Responsible for Native affairs and dealings with the 13 English colonies.

7. Intendant  Chief administrator and most influential.  Controlled the budget and collected taxes.  Responsible for justice and court system (French civil law).  Administered the economy and granted seigneuries.  Built roads, set up industries, & organized trade.

8. Bishop  Appointed by the Pope (Vatican City).  Administered parish priests and religious orders.  Responsible for hospitals, schools, and charities.  Each parish had a “cure” (parish priest).

9. Royal Government Structure

10. Key Figures Jean Baptiste Colbert (Minister of Marine) Governor Frontenac

11. More Photos Colbert King Louis 14 th of France Colbert King Louis 14 th of France

12. Royal Government Structure 2

13. The 3 key administrators, along with a few influential citizens formed a Sovereign Council which served mainly as a court of appeal. The 3 key administrators, along with a few influential citizens formed a Sovereign Council which served mainly as a court of appeal. Each seigneurie had a captain of militia who served as rep for the governor and intendant of the colony. Also, trained censitaires (habitants) to defend New France. Each seigneurie had a captain of militia who served as rep for the governor and intendant of the colony. Also, trained censitaires (habitants) to defend New France. People had no say in major matters. They were expected to obey orders. (The system and process were undemocratic and paternalistic = king controlled all “his children”). People had no say in major matters. They were expected to obey orders. (The system and process were undemocratic and paternalistic = king controlled all “his children”).

14. Relationship Between Mother Country (France) and Colony (New France) New France was dependent on France for: Population (immigration from France) Population (immigration from France) Economic (France controlled money, imports & exports = mercantilism) Economic (France controlled money, imports & exports = mercantilism) Army (Military decisions & soldiers came from France) Army (Military decisions & soldiers came from France) Government (France made all political decisions) Government (France made all political decisions)