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Feb 4, 1000
First European Explorers to North America
-The Europeans did not discover Canada or the Americas; isn't possible to discover something that hundreds of thousands of people know about
-The Europeans, at best,"rediscovered" the Americas
-As for who the first European was to rediscover Canada, the answer is unclear
-But, there is proof that the Vikings landed on the shores of North America, which exists in Norse legends or sagas, a few vague references in other ancient texts, and, most important, in archaeological evidence. -
Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot claims Territory
-John Cabot was an experienced navigator from Italy
-He was authorized by the King of England in 1497 to seek out, discover and find whatever isles, countries or provinces he could
-Cabot landed somewhere on the northern coast of Newfoundland or Labrador, here he raised a cross and banner of England, claiming the territory for Christianity and the King
-Cabot told of codfish so thick in the waters, this news was met with enthusiasm all over Europe
-This voyage brought recognition and wealth -
Aug 13, 1535
Jacques Cartier gives Canada its name
-The name Canada comes from the Iroquoian word "kanata," meaning “village”
-In 1535, Jacques Cartier heard two Aboriginal youths refer to the village of Stadacona as "kanata," but Cartier used "Canada"
-Cartier applied this name not only to the village but also to the surrounding territory
-This event is ethnocentric, Cartier favoured the name "Canada" over "kanata," feeling like his name was better/ more superior to the Iroquoian word "kanata" -
Aug 15, 1543
Charlesbourg-Royal was abandoned
-Fort Charlesbourg Royal was established in 1541 by Jacques Cartier
-The forts served as the basis for the first French colony in North America
-They were abandoned in 1543 due to harsh weather, famine, diseases and attacks from neighbouring Iroquoians of Stadacona and other villages
-Fort Charlesbourg Royal consisted of an upper fort and lower fort located near the mouth of Rivière du Cap-Rouge -
Sir Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony
-Gilbert was an English nobleman, army officer, member of Parliament, and explorer
-Sir Humphrey Gilbert formed the plan of taking possession of Newfoundland for the English Crown
-France as well as England had aspirations to rule Newfoundland with its unknown riches
-Gilbert formally took possession of Newfoundland and of the land 200 leagues to the north and south in 1583
-He was the founder of the first English colony in North America -
Samuel de Champlain founds the settlement of Quebec
-Champlain was a French explorer
-He set off on an expedition up the St. Lawrence River
-He decided on a site that was beautiful, fertile and defensible in military terms, but most importantly it was a good location for trade
-He immediately began construction on his new colony
-Champlain established a fortified trading post, which he called the Habitation of Quebec
-His establishment of the settlement of Quebec would be of major importance in the history of New France for the next 150 years
