French Exploration and Colonization in the New World

Early 16th Century

France begins exploring the New World, primarily in search of gold and a Northwest Passage.

What year did Jacques Cartier explore the Gulf of St. Lawrence?

Mid-16th Century

Who explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the mid-16th century?

Jacques Cartier

Which indigenous group did Jacques Cartier interact with during his exploration?

The Iroquois

What did Jacques Cartier mistakenly identify as gold?

Iron pyrite

What did Jacques Cartier do to two young men during his exploration?

He kidnapped them

1608

Samuel de Champlain establishes the first permanent French settlement in the New World: Quebec City.

Early 17th Century Onward

The fur trade, particularly beaver pelts, becomes the economic focus of New France.

17th Century Onward

The French develop a more cooperative relationship with Native American tribes to facilitate fur trading.

What was the goal of Jesuit missionaries in New France during the 17th century?

To convert Native Americans to Christianity.

Who was a notable Jesuit missionary in New France?

Jean de Brebeuf.

What language did Jean de Brebeuf learn while working with Native Americans?

Algonquin.

With which Native American group did Jean de Brebeuf live?

The Hurons.

What significant work did Jean de Brebeuf do in relation to the Bible?

He translated the Bible.

What was one of the outcomes of Jean de Brebeuf's missionary work?

He converted many Native Americans to Christianity.

1505-1850

Beaver fur hats become a high-fashion item in Europe, driving the fur trade in New France.

What trading posts did The Netherlands establish in what is now New York?

New Amsterdam

What was the focus of the trading posts established by The Netherlands in New Amsterdam?

The fur trade

Unspecified Time

Sweden establishes a smaller, less successful settlement along the Delaware River.

Later Date (Mentioned but not within the scope of the main timeline)

English colonization begins to compete with French presence in the area, fighting over trade.

What are the official languages of Quebec?

French and English

Is Quebec a bilingual province?

Yes

What is one historical relationship that many Native Americans in Quebec trace their ancestry back to?

Relationships between French traders and indigenous women

Who was Jacques Cartier?

A prominent French explorer who explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence Seaway in the mid-16th century.

How did Jacques Cartier interact with the Iroquois?

He interacted poorly with them and kidnapped two of their young men.

What did Jacques Cartier mistake for gold?

Iron pyrite.

Who was Samuel de Champlain?

A French explorer who established Quebec City in 1608, the first permanent French settlement in the New World.

What was Quebec City known for in New France?

It became the center of New France.

Who was Jean de Brebeuf?

A Catholic priest and Jesuit missionary who went to New France to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

Which Native American tribe did Jean de Brebeuf live among?

The Huron people.

What language did Jean de Brebeuf learn?

Algonquin.

What was Jean de Brebeuf known for in his missionary work?

His gentle approach compared to that of Spanish missionaries.

What was the Iroquois Tribe's relationship with Jacques Cartier?

They interacted with him, but he did not treat them well.

Which tribe did Jean de Brebeuf convert to Christianity?

The Huron Tribe.

What was the primary interest of French colonists in New France?

The fur trade.

What was a common practice among French traders in New France?

Many traders took native wives.

What was the focus of Dutch colonists in North America?

The fur trade.

Where did Dutch colonists set up posts?

In New Amsterdam (New York City) and Albany.

Who were the Swedish colonists?

Settlers who established a smaller settlement in the Philadelphia region for a brief time.

What was the role of Jesuits in New France?

They were interested in education and converting non-Christians, with missionaries like Jean de Brebeuf.