Colonization and Early Explorations in Canada

These flashcards cover key events and concepts regarding the early exploration and colonization attempts in Canada, focusing on the Portuguese, French, indigenous relations, and the fur trade.

Deadly Winter for Colonists

Fifty percent of the colonists died in the first winter.

Portuguese Voyages (1500-1502)

Portuguese ships journeyed to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia with vague historical records.

Cape Breton Island

Potential site of Portuguese colonization attempt in 1520.

Documentary Evidence

No documents confirm Portuguese colonization; only later references exist.

Indigenous Conflicts

Possible attacks by indigenous people on Portuguese colonists may have ended their settlement.

Jacques Cartier

French explorer sent on three voyages to North America, primarily to seek riches and passage to Asia.

First Voyage of Cartier

Explored Gulf of Saint Lawrence without discovering a route to Asia.

Treaty and Trade Relationships

Initial friendly relations turned hostile due to colonial actions, including the erection of crosses.

Kidnapping Indigenous People

Cartier took hostages from indigenous villages to prove exploration claims and used them as potential guides.

Impact of Disease

The indigenous populations had no immunities to European diseases, leading to high death rates.

Fur Trade Economy

The lucrative fur trade sparked renewed interest in colonization by French merchants in the late 1580s.

Samuel de Champlain

Key figure in French colonization, leading to the establishment of Quebec.

Quebec's Naming

Named after 'Kebec,' meaning 'narrow passage' in the Algonquin language.

Wendat/Fur Trade Relations

Champlain aimed to establish direct trade with the Wendat, seeking more profit.

Cultural Exchange

Etienne Brule lived among indigenous people, learning different customs and ways of life.

Colonial Failure Factors

Every European colonization effort before 1600 in Canada largely failed due to hostility, climate, and lack of resources.

Hostility vs. Cooperation

Initial indigenous cooperation was undermined by colonial aggression and cultural misunderstandings.

Little Ice Age Impacts

Climate change during the Little Ice Age might have contributed to the abandonment of certain regions by indigenous groups.

European Misunderstandings

French explorers often learned survival skills from indigenous people, contrasting British explorers.