French Regime Dossier 2 – How did the French settlers occupy the territory of Quebec?
Vikings • 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.
Christopher Columbus • 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
John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) • Made three voyages to North America between 1497 and 1498. • 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.
Jacques Cartier • 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.
Colonization • 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”
Samuel de Champlain • 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.
The Battle of Lake Champlain • 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
The Battle of Lake Champlain • 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.
Effects of European Contact • New and more violent wars between Natives • Trade • Firearms • Disease • Smallpox • Assimilation • Christianity • Sedentary lifestyle • French laws and values
The settlement of Canada • Of the 30 000 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.
The Politics of Immigrations • 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!!
The Politics of Immigration • 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
The Politics of Immigration • 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.
The Politics of Immigration • 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.
Activity 1 – The Colbert Report • 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.
Activity 1 – The Colbert Report • Remember! • Be professional • Describe your new plan in detail • Back up your decisions
Birth Incentives • 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 20 • 20 livres to women who got married before the age of 16 • 300 livres yearly to families of more than 10 kids • 400 livres yearly to families of more than 12 kids
Birth Incentives • 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.
Portrait of the Canadian Population
