Exploration and Colonization
Who was the first European explorer to claim land in what is now Canada for France?
Jacques Cartier
What was the primary animal fur traded by the French in New France?
Beaver
What was the primary occupation of most settlers (habitants) in New France?
Farming
What large body of water did the French use to travel from New France to France?
The Atlantic Ocean
What year did Samuel de Champlain establish the first permanent French settlement in Canada? (within 20 years)
1608
What did the French exchange with Indigenous peoples in return for fur?
European goods, such as metal tools, guns, cloth, and beads
How did French settlers in New France transport goods and people over long distances?
They used the rivers for travel, often with canoes or small boats.
Which two modern-day Canadian provinces were the main regions of New France?
Quebec and Ontario
Name the first permanent French settlement in Canada, founded in 1608.
Quebec City
Why did French traders rely heavily on Indigenous peoples in the fur trade?
Indigenous people knew the land well and could trap animals and transport furs effectively
What was the name of the system in New France where land was granted to settlers in exchange for work and loyalty?
The Seigneurial System
What natural resources were abundant in New France and important to its economy besides fur?
fish, timber, and land for farming
What was the main reason French explorers wanted to establish colonies in North America?
To expand trade, especially the fur trade
What was the name of the French trading post that became the center of the fur trade in New France?
Montreal
What would a typical habitants family grow or raise for food in New France?
Wheat, corn, vegetables, and livestock like pigs and chickens
What major geographical feature helped the French settlers navigate and trade in New France?
The rivers, especially the St. Lawrence River
What significant challenge did French settlers face in establishing New France, especially during the early years?
Harsh winters and a lack of food, which made survival difficult for settlers
Explain why the fur trade was so important to the economy of New France.
The fur trade was New France's main economic activity, bringing wealth to the colony and encouraging French expansion across North America
In what ways did Indigenous peoples influence the daily lives of French settlers in New France?
Indigenous peoples influenced French settlers by teaching them survival skills, providing food and resources, and guiding them through the wilderness. The French relied heavily on Indigenous knowledge for hunting, fishing, and trading.
What two bodies of water (or water systems) were essential for trade and travel in New France?
The Great Lakes and the rivers of New France