History of Quebec and Canada/Study Guide/Topic 3: Geographic Conditions

Topic 3: Geographic Conditions

What kinds of regions did the European explorers find in North America? North America has four main natural regions: The Canadian Shield contains a vast area of hard rocks, thousands of lakes, and many rivers. In the south it is covered by dense forest.The Europeans found it hard to cross the Shield. The Appalachians form a chain of old worn-down mountains on the east side of the continent.They are not high, but dense forest and rugged terrain made them difficult to cross. The Western Mountains are a broad system of high mountain ranges and plateaus along the western side of the continent. The Lowlands are found in the central parts of the continent and along the southeast coast.This region is mostly plain. Much of it is good farmland - the type of land that settlers wanted. The St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes form one of the main entry routes to the continent. People and ships coming across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe can use this route to reach the interior of the continent.The entry route passes between the Canadian Shield to the north and the Appalachians to the south. Other entry routes to the continent include the Hudson River and Hudson's Bay. Do the following questions on Topic 3: Geographic Conditions

1. WHICH GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURE FAVOURED THE EXPLORATION OF NORTH AMERICA? A)    The extensive system of rivers and lakes B)     Rich and fertile soils C)    The temperate climate

D)    The variety of natural resources

ANSWER: A B C D

2. WHICH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS CORRECTLY DESCRIBES A LINK BETWEEN GEOGRAPHY AND SETTLEMENT IN NEW FRANCE DURING THE 17TH CENTURY ?

A)The Appalachians were a natural barrier between the Iroquois territory and the French colony. B)The Canadian Shield made settlement of the colony easier. C)Harsh winters forced the French colonists to settle further south in the Appalachians. D)The St. Lawrence River attracted colonists to settle in the lowlands.

ANSWER: A B C D

3.WHICH GEOGRAPHIC CONDITION MADE SETTLEMENT EASIER FOR THE FIRST EUROPEANS IN NEW FRANCE BETWEEN 1608 AND 1642?

A)   The waterways of the Canadian Shield B)    The climate of the Appalachian Mountains C)   The existence of the St. Lawrence River D)    The fertile lands south of the Great Lakes ANSWER: A B C D

Go on to: Unit 2: Amerindian Civilization