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Between France and the Orient: an obstacle, a continent
French exploration of North America intensified in 1534 on the orders of François I, who demanded and obtained his share of the riches of the New World- riches to which, up to that time, Portugal and Spain had had exclusive rights. Like most European explorers seeking a passage to China, Jacques Cartier hit an obstacle: North America. The territory on which he lands is peopled by Natives who call this land Canada. This word, he learns, means "encampment" or "collection of huts." Cartier plants a cross in Gaspesia and takes possession of Canada in the name of the king of France.
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At the beginning of the next century, New France begins to take shape when colonists recruited in France settle in the Saint Lawrence valley and Acadia.
Amongst other factors, success depends on the contribution of the first occupants, who introduced the French to the land, the climate and the Amerindians nations who peopled North America. Exploration increased, giving rise to the development of new trade routes, the creation of towns and settlements of colonists from France and their descendants.
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Towards the middle of the 18th century, French America was at its apogee. Its frontiers were far beyond its original limits made up of Acadie and the Saint Lawrence valley. In its short history, it covered more than half of the North American continent: from Hudson's Bay to Louisiana, including a large part of what are today the Atlantic provinces, the entire Saint Lawrence valley, the Great Lakes Basin and the immense Mississippi valley.
Apart from Louisiana, which France ceded to the United States in 1803, New France ceased to exist after the conquest of 1760 and the final surrender to England in 1763. |
 
Map of the southern part of America by Franquelin, 1688 |
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Last update: April 04, 2006 © Museum of New France – Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation |
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