The Rise of New France: The Rise of New France


By the end of the unit you should be able to: : By the end of the unit you should be able to: Explain the purposes behind European exploration. Discuss the effects of the European exploration on Aboriginal people in Canada. Explain the idea of mercantilism, how was it related to a colonial empire and how North America was affected by mercantilism. Define the terms colony and empire. Explain why was there such competition to acquire colonies. Describe the economic activities in New France (e.g., the fur trade, agriculture, and commerce). Describe how the early French-Canadian’s governed their society, and why they adopted these forms of government. Explain the administrative structure in New France (e.g., governor, intendant, captains of militia). Explain the role of the military in New France (e.g., the status of officers and soldiers, French/Aboriginal relations). Explain the role of the church in New France (e.g., the Church’s influence on social policy, education, health care). List and explain: the causes and effects of the Acadian expulsion. the causes and effects of the defeat of Louisbourg. the causes of the defeat of Quebec.


Cabot & the Cod: Cabot & the Cod Givanni Caboto of Genoa actually (maybe a classmate of Columbus) Like Columbus thought that the earth was round and by sailing west, would eventually reach Asia (why do you suppose that was so important?) Columbus got there first and Cabot couldn’t interest anyone in Spain to fund his adventure…so off to England… Spain had already ‘claimed’ the middle latitudes for themselves. Cabot thought that by moving further North the route would be shorter the further North he went…little did he know that North America was in the way. King Henry VII (that’s seven not eight), kicking himself for not being a part of Columbus’ grand scheme gave his approval (no money, just approval for one fifth of any profit Cabot made) May of 1497, Cabot and a meager crew of 18 set off aboard the Mathew in search of Asia and the riches it held. Landed on what he claimed “New Founde Land” (not terribly creative was he) for the King of England…and all he found was Cod, lots of it. A quick side note…it’s rumored that the fishermen of Bristol already knew about the Grand Banks…but now the secret was out. After all, how was Cabot going to convince anyone to support another voyage if he came back empty handed?


The End for Cabot?: The End for Cabot? Despite the ‘no’ to gold it was ‘but there’s lots of fish’ King Henry VII gave him a pension (even then they worried about retirement), and his permission for another trip. 1498-sets off with 300 men and five ships but supposedly there’s no record of his return. There are records of an Antonio Gaboto joined a son Sabastian on a Greenland voyage in 1501…but he never did reach China. Some background and additional information can be found HERE


The Traffic…: The Traffic… Cabot’s journey did greatly influence the amount of sea traffic around the waters of the Grand Banks These boats came from England, France, Spain, and Portugal. None of these set up any permanent settlements however.


A Man Named Jacques…: A Man Named Jacques… 1534-Cartier sets out from St. Malo to “discover certain isles and countries where it is said there must be great quantities of gold and other riches.” Unlike Cabot, Cartier knew exactly where he was going since he had likely been to the Grand Banks fisheries and had likely accompanied a man named Verrazano looking for a passage to the Orient. He did discover something quite quickly-he proved that Newfoundland was actually an island by sailing down the narrow northern straight between Labrador and the island. More information found HERE