Exploration and Colonization of North America

A set of flashcards reviewing key figures, events, and concepts related to the exploration and colonization of North America.

Who was Jacques Cartier?

A French explorer known for mapping the St. Lawrence River and claiming parts of Canada for France.

What were the main contributions of the Vikings in North America?

They were the first known Europeans to explore and settle parts of North America around 1000 AD, specifically in Newfoundland.

Who was Chief Donnacona?

A St. Lawrence Iroquoian chief who encountered Jacques Cartier during his explorations.

What did John Cabot accomplish?

An Italian explorer who is credited with discovering parts of North America under the commission of England in 1497.

What was Stadacona/Hochelega?

Indigenous settlements encountered by Jacques Cartier, located near present-day Quebec City.

Why was cod important to the economy of New France?

Cod was a significant fishery product that attracted European fishermen, thus boosting trade.

What role did Jesuits play in New France?

Jesuits were missionaries who aimed to convert Indigenous peoples and played a significant role in the cultural exchange.

Define the Columbian Exchange.

The exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, and populations between the New World and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

What was scurvy, and why was it a concern for explorers?

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which affected sailors and explorers during long sea voyages.

What is New France?

A French colony in North America that included parts of Canada and the Great Lakes region.

Who were the Acadians?

French settlers in the Maritime provinces of Canada, known for their distinct culture and farming practices.

What was the Northwest Passage?

A sought-after sea route through North America that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Where is Nova Scotia located?

A province on Canada’s east coast that was a major area of French colonization.

Who was Henry Hudson?

An English explorer known for his explorations of Canada and the Northeastern United States, notably Hudson Bay.

What did Samuel de Champlain accomplish?

Known as the 'Father of New France,' he established Quebec and mapped much of the northeastern North America.

Who were the Fille du Rois?

Young women sent to New France by the French government to increase the population and promote settlement.

Define mercantilism.

An economic theory that emphasizes trade as a means to accumulate wealth for the state, popular in Europe during the colonial period.

What is significant about Port Royal?

It was one of the first permanent French settlements in North America, established in 1605.

What does Coureur de Bois refer to?

French fur traders who ventured into the wilderness and established trade relationships with Indigenous peoples.

What was the Order of Good Cheer?

A group formed by early French settlers in Port Royal to support and celebrate their settlement.

What was the Company of 100 Associates?

A French trading company formed to promote trade and settlement in New France.

Who were the Haudenosaunee?

A confederation of six Native American nations located in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.

Why is Governor Lawrence significant?

He was the British governor of Nova Scotia known for his policies toward the Acadian population.

What is a tithe?

A tax, typically one-tenth of a person's income, traditionally given to support the church.

What was the Seven Year's War?

A global conflict that involved the major European powers and their colonies, impacting territorial claims in North America.

What happened on the Plains of Abraham?

A pivotal battle in 1759 where British forces led by James Wolfe defeated French troops led by Montcalm.

Who was James Wolfe?

A British army officer known for his role in the victory at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Who was Montcalm?

A French general during the Seven Years' War, noted for his defense of French territories in North America.

What was the Treaty of Paris 1763?

An agreement that ended the Seven Years' War, redistributing territorial control in North America.

What is the Sovereign Council?

The governing body of New France, overseeing the administration of the colony.

What was the role of the Intendent in New France?

The official responsible for the colony's administration, including economic and social aspects.