Early European Colonies

Chapter 3

Focus Questions

What purpose did the colonies serve? What were the similarities & differences

between French & British colonies in North America?

What impact did colonization have on the first Nations?

What characterized the colony of New France?

France & Britain Establish Colonies

European countries created colonies in North America to establish control of the region

Colonies were used as a methods to increase wealth of the European nation

Special privileges were given to companies in order to ensure successful colonization. One important privilege included having complete control of the colonies operations, growth & business ( a monopoly)

The rulers (the Crown) of the Mother Country (France & Britain) and a trade company agreed to certain rights and rules (charter)

Companies receiving a charter monopoly agreed to establish and maintain permanent colonies

Similarities & Differences Between French & British

Colonies

French Colonies

French colonies were French and Catholic New France was slow to grow (only 60 000 people

by 1760) and needed constant support from France

France eventually took over the government of New France colony and took steps to increase its population and promote self sufficiency

Fur trade was Frances primary economic activity In New France alliances were made with certain

first nations to succeed in the fur trade

English Colonies British colonies in North America

were made up of a number of European cultures The British colonies in North America grew faster

(250000 people by 1760) and were self sufficient British colonists did not initially form

partnerships with first nations people Each English colony (the Thirteen Colonies) had

its own level of government which was directly controlled by Britain

The British colonies in North America were successfully economically

Hudson's Bay Company controlled the fur trade in Rupert’s land

This area was not settled and First Nations people traveled to British Forts

Impacts of Colonization on the First Peoples

First Peoples alliances with the French made them enemies of the English and their allies

First Nations alliances with the English made them enemies of the French and their allies

The fur trade forced the once peaceful First nations to exploit each others traditional territory & compete economically

Smallpox, measles, tuberculosis wiped out as much as half of the first nations populations

Meet New France

France & New France were class based societies

Nobility & the wealthy were considered the most important members of society

Catholic Church played a very important role in French society

Compte de Frontenac was Governor of New France in 1672

New France Rupert’s Land Thirteen Colonies

Political Structure of New France

Governor- was responsible for military & protection of the colony, trade alliances with the First nations

Intendant- Chief administrator. Planned the colony’s self reliance

Bishop- religious leader. Responsible for church, education, health care, orphans

Soldiers- protection of New France. Were given land grants seigneuries as a payment for service

British & French Government Systems

The Church in New France

Church was responsible for many services Spiritual training, conversion of the First

nations to Catholicism, establishment of schools, hospitals & orphanages

The Jesuits, a Catholic religious order, were the primary religious leaders in New France

The Grey Nuns, another Catholic religious order, provided nursing health care in the hospitals

Terms Epidemic: a disease affecting many persons at the same time, where the

disease is not permanently prevalent. Half the original native population died

Missionaries: a person sent by a church into an area to persuade or convert others and carry on other activities, such as educational or hospital work. Asked natives to abandon traditional way of life

Imperialism: the rule of a larger stronger nation (France or England) over other foreign countries, includes the acquiring and holding land as colonies. This restricted access to land, & created rivalries among First Nations

Mercantilism: system of economy based on national policies of accumulating gold & wealth

Monopoly: A company or group having exclusive control over a commercial activity.

Courier de bois: Runners of the Woods, natives, adventures or Metis who went inland to gather furs

Seigneury