The French established colonies in North America along the St. Lawrence River valley in Canada in the 16th century. They traded metals, guns, and other goods with the native Algonquian and Iroquois tribes in exchange for furs and fish. This fur trade funded further French colonization but also caused tensions, especially with the Iroquois. The French colony extended from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico in the 17th century but struggled economically due to selling goods too cheaply and not controlling the native tribes.

1. French Colonies North AmericaBy: Cara TreneerHistory 140

2. Chapter 5 Canada & Iroquoia16th centuryThe French along with the Dutch and English came to the new world to claim new colonies.They were looking for riches in trade and to start a better life. St. Lawrence Valley=CanadaModern Colonization with Indian and French TradeOriginally only traded within their own tribes.Indians thought objects and materials, alive or not to have spiritual powers.After starting to trade for shiny objects like beads, copper, and polished seashells; the Indians started to think of goods as commodities with a negotiable pricefish and furs were profitable commodities funding northern colonization.French exchanged metals kettles, alcohol, guns, and knives for food and meat from the natives. Indians now equipped with European modern firearms=treat to French colonies and well as other European colonies.

3. Chapter 5 Canada & Iroquois ContinuedFrench in St. Lawrence ValleyIt offered the deepest access westward.Quebec offered good harbor for ships High ground for fortifies posts.Natives were more skilled as huntersIt was a safe distance from the Spanish reign.Religious InfluenceJesuit Priest established among the natives to convert them to ChristianityCausing conflict splitting the Huron tribe into Christian converts & those against convertingCampaign 1648-49 destroyed Huron tribeJesuit Priest known as “Black Robes” influenced natives by their devotion to their god & faithNatives of settled areaIroquoisAlgonquianMicmacAlgonquiansMontagnaisAlgonquinHuron

4. Chapter 5 Canada & Iroquois ContinuedIroquois IndiansHunters and GetherersLocated on lake Ontario and along the St. Lawrence ValleyEnemies of the FrenchMade by fur trade which brought on violence. Samuel de Champlain and 2 French musketeer assisted their Indian allies to defeat the Iroquois warriors.

5. Chapter 5 Canada & Iroquois ContinuedFurTrading for fur was a huge industry made in America and Canada starting in the 16th century.Indians RoleHunted the animalsPrepared the fur for trade by skinning and treating it.Had a new found appreciation for knifes, metals arrowheads, hatchets and axes. Fur industry developed by French explorers and fisherman arriving in Eastern Canada.Beaver fur was very much sought after along with fox, mink, bear and others.Tension with the Iroquois escalated with fur trade competition.

6. Chapter 16- French America17th centuryFrench founded Louisiana colonySpanish power was declining in FloridaAlthough Growing frustrated with their lack of control of the natives, the French had established good trade with them.British were the French rivalsFrench America stretched from gulf of St. Lawrence to the gulf of Mexico.

7. New Promise & Opportunity“Seigneurs” brought 1st farm familiesFrench peasant Canadian settlers were able to improve their status and their standard of livingThings that were too expensive like homes and horses back home were made more affordable

8. Chapter 16- French AmericaEconomicallyFrench America was an economic disasterFrench often sold goods under market value to compete with the British trade with the IndiansIt became too expensive for the maintenance of their forts Hard to please the natives

9. Chapter 16- French AmericaFrench VoyagersThe crown started populating their new colonies in 1663 after taking over “New France.”Many fled Canada looking for better climate conditions and more favorable terms for agriculture.12% of emigrants were female, most came from French orphanages.Most of the emigrants were made up of men, looking to better themselves financially.