History of Quebec and Canada/Study Guide/Topic 3: Territorial and Military Consequences

What were the territorial and military consequnces of the fur trade on New France? Territorial Consequences The most important territorial consequence for New France was the growth of its territory.

Over a period of one hundred fifty years New France's territory spread from a tiny colony on the St. Lawrence River to one that extended from the Atlantic to the Prairies, and from the lands surrounding Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. The demands of the fur trade and missionary zeal led to the exploration of the continent by explorers such as Jolliet and Marquette, LaVérendrye, LaSalle, Father Albanel and Radisson.

Military Consequences The fur trade brought about a series of alliances with the Native populations. The French allied themselves with the Hurons and Algonquians while the Dutch, and later the English, allied themselves with the Iroquois. This led to numerous battles and skirmishes between the Europeans and their Native allies over the control of the fur trade. In 1649, the Hurons were destroyed by the Iroquois forcing the French to use coureurs de bois as their middlemen in the fur trade.

The expansion of New France's territory also brought about the

encirclement of the English colonies. The English felt threatened by this since their own expansion westwards and their access to fur resources was now limited. This as well leads to numerous battles and wars and to the eventual conquest of New France by the English in 1760. Try the following questions on the Topic 3: Territorial and Military Consequences 1. IDENTIFY ONE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FUR TRADE IN NORTH AMERICA. A) the expansion of the territory of New France B) the establishment of farming areas C) the substantial increase in trade with the English colonies D) the search for a route to Asia ANSWER: A B C D

2. WHICH THREE OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS RELATE TO THE FUR TRADE AS IT WAS CARRIED OUT IN NORTH AMERICA?

1. The fur trade provoked military confrontations between the French, the English and their allies. 2. The fur trade was controlled by chartered companies who obtained a monopoly in return for fulfilling certain obligations. 3. The fur trade favoured the development of agriculture. 4. The Amerindians became wealthy as a result of their participation in the fur trade. 5. The fur trade led to the expansion of the colony's territory. 6. As a result of the fur trade, New France had a rich and diversified economy.

A)    1,     2    and     5                                     C)     2,     4    and     6 B)    1,     3    and     6                                     D)     3,     4    and     5 ANSWER: A B C D

3. WHY DID NEW FRANCE EXPAND ITS TERRITORY?

A)   To convert as many Amerindians as possible to Christianity B)    To find new sources of gold and silver C)   To find new land for settlers D)    To find new land to supply the fur trade ANSWER: A B C D

TRY THE FOLLOWING SYNTHESIS TYPE QUESTIONS DEALING WITH MODULE 1.