The document summarizes French colonial empires in North America, including New France (Canada) and Louisiana. It discusses how the French established small fur trading posts along the St. Lawrence River in Canada to trade with indigenous peoples for fur and fish. Over time, the French claimed the St. Lawrence Valley as the colony of Canada due to its location, resources, and ability to access the interior via the river. The French allied with and armed local Algonquin and Montagnais tribes, but kept colonial populations small to maintain positive relations with indigenous groups and avoid conflicts. Louisiana was founded in the late 17th century as a rival to British colonies, but like New France relied heavily on indigenous alliances due to its sparse population.

1. Theme 4. American Colonial Empires: France and England By: Lindsay Nelson

2. French Colonies of North America

3. American Colonies 5- Canada and Iroquoia France needed a steady and enduring share in the America trade. Found profit in fish and fur along the mouth of the St. Lawrence river. French traders were hostage to the Indian trade protocols because the Natives considered a cutoff trade an act of war and the French needed them as allies.

4. By 1580, the fisheries and whale and seal hunts employed 4 vessels and around 12,000 men Mariners traded Indians fur for European manufactured goods. Furs hot commodity in Europe French established permanent but small posts around Tadoussac in Canada. Did this to allow for fur trade all year long.

5. The French reclaimed the St. Lawrence Valley, now Canada. Canada was perfect for 5 reasons: Valley was safely distant from Spanish power Northern location meant especially thick and valuable furs Resident Montagnais and Algonkin were especially skilled hunters St. Lawrence river offered deepest access westward At Quebec, the river narrowed which provided a good harbor and higher ground for posts

6. Firearms were introduced to Indian warfare when the French helped their ally natives to the north fight the Five Nation Iroquois. Selling of firearms was previously prohibited, but it was such a profitable sale it was allowed. The Iroquois were a formidable enemy with large, fortified hilltop villages. Their cohesion was a direct result of practicing ceremonial torture and cannibalism of their captured enemies.

7. American Colonies 16- French Colonies French Canadians stayed safe from invasion because of their small numbers and location. The small number of people kept the friction down with the Indians and their northern setting kept them safe from British Invasion. Recruited Natives to help fight against British expansion Founded Louisiana at the end of the 17th century This new colony became the chief rival for British Carolina in American southeast. Like new France, Louisiana was thinly populated and relied on Indian allies

8. Until 1663, Canada belonged to the fur-trading company of New France, not the French crown. Saw no need to have colonists shipped from France to build a bigger colony because it would drive up cost, and they had the Indians to do the work. Eventually they had to bring people over to help defend against the British. Most were male emigrants from the northern and western seaports of France

9. Most people that went to Canada and stayed significantly improved their standard of living Plots of farm lands much bigger, more meat and bread available, able to hunt and fish, which was denied to peasants in France Had a more militaristic, paternalistic, and centralized form of authority compared to British. Governed by 3 people: a military govenor-general, a civil administrator known as an intendant, and a Catholic bishop Selective settlement divided Louisiana into 2 different landscapes: a small plantation core remade by settlers, and an immense hinterland led by Indians

10. New France and Louisiana cost the crown more to run than they profited. As Indians became dependent on French trade, the French empire became captive to Indian demands. Indian alliances were more for political well-being rather than financial profit