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1492
Christopher Columbus
Sponsored by the Spanish government to find a new sea route to Asia. Ended up landing in the Caribbean. -
1497
John Cabot
Heard about Columbus' trip and tries to find the route to Asia. Gets turned down by Spanish government for sponsorship. -
1534
Jaques Cartier
First trip to the Maritimes. Makes contact with the First Peoples and meets Donnacona. -
1534
The Jesuits
Missionaries that tried to convert the First Nations. They learned their languages and traditions and bribed the Fist Nations to convert with guns. Founded in 1534. -
1539
Donnacona
His sons were kidnapped by Jacques Cartier. He later died in France in 1539. -
Samuel de Champlain
Called the "Father of New France." Sails up the St. Lawrence river and finds a large rock formation, the site of Stadacona. -
Quebec City
Founded by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain. It is the oldest municipality in the province of Quebec. -
Seigneurial System
A system of land use and land ownership in New France. Land is distributed to maximize access to the river. Owned by the King. -
Fur Trade
Beaver pelts were in high demand in Europe. French fur traders had to mover further inland to meet Europe's demand. -
King Louis XIV
King Louis XIV created the Sovereign Council. Before, New France was run by a group of investors. -
Sovereign Council
A group of officials in New France represented by King Louis XIV. Made up of four positions. Instituted in 1663. -
Les Filles du Roi
Stands for, "The King's daughters." Unmarried women were sent to New France and encouraged to find husbands and have kids. -
Hudson Bay Company
Founded in the United Kingdom. A major influencer in the colonization of British North America and the development of Canada. -
Rupert's Land
Rupert's Land was a widely spread across a third of what is now Canada. It was the exclusive commercial domain for the Hudson's Bay Company starting in 1670. -
War of Spanish Succession
European conflict of the early 18th century. It was triggered by the death of Charles II of Spain. The war began in 1701. -
Fortress of Louisbourg
The French built a massive fort on Cape Breton Island in attempt to save what was left of their colonies. It was also intended to defend the St. Lawrence River. Construction began in 1713 and took 24 years to complete. -
Treaty of Utrecht
Brought the War of Spanish Succession to an end. The war was between the French and the English. -
7 Years War
New France was struggling to grow into a sustainable colony. British colonies were flourishing and wanted to expand north and west. It began in 1756. -
Battle of the Plains of Abraham
wolfe led his troop in attempt to capture Quebec from the French. Montcalm led the defense of Quebec. Pivotal moment in the 7 Years War. -
James Wolfe
Leader of the British troops. Known for his victory over the French at the Plains of Abraham. -
Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
French solider best known as the commander of forces in North America during the 7 Years War. Defeated by James Wolfe in 1759. -
Treaty of Paris
Officially ended the 7 Years War with France surrendering their land to the British. -
North West Company
Known as the "Nor' Westers." Refused to recognize the monopoly claimed by the Hudson Bay Company. Founded in Montreal. -
Slavery in New France
Slavery existed in New France but slaves were mostly Aboriginal. They traded 3 years of work for room and board. Abolished in 1833 in New France. -
Northwest Passage
Discovered in 1850 by Irish Robert McClure and Scotsman John Rae in 1854. First complete passage started in 1903 by Roald Amundsen.
