8. New France in first half 18th century Flashcards
Population growth
In the beginning of the 1700’s, the population of New France was about 24,000. By 1752, it had almost tripled. Most of the population lived in a rural (country setting). The urban population lived in Montreal, Quebec and Trois Rivières. New France was peaceful so people wanted to live there.
From French to Canadien
The number of colonists born in New France grew. They maintained many characteristics from the mother country like language, but certain aspects of their culture became distinct. The colonists who settled in St-Lawrence Valley were called Canadiens. The colonists who settled in the Maritimes were known as Acadiens.
Acclimatization
Getting used to their culture and climate that they’re living in. Canadiens living in the St-Lawrence Valley changed their way of dressing, transportation and house building techniques.
How did their houses change to become more adapted to the cold?
Deeper foundation (to store more goods and keep cold out of the house), double pane windows (to keep the house insulated), a wood stove instead of a fireplace (they don’t last as long).
Differences between French and Habitants
Habitants (canadien farmers) had more independent spirit (territorial freedom and more free time) than the French. The vastness of the territory and native culture impacted the Habitants way of speaking, Habitants culture was influenced by the environment and First Nations (Canoes, snowshoes).
Social origins of the Canadien population
Immigrants who settled in New France belonged to one of the three classes, nobility, clergy and third estate. Members of the nobility and clergy (worked together) had privileges and made political decisions. Members of third estate had few privileges, with the exception of seigneurs. They had a bit more power, but were still part of third estate.
Social classes in New France
The social hierarchy was widely dispersed. The nobility was made up of 3% of the population. The third estate (seigneurs, crafts people, parish priests, censitaires) made up 97% of the population.
Slaves in New France
In between 1701 and 1760, there were around 2000 salves in New France. Most were Native peoples from the Pawnee nation who moved to New France to serve as slaves. There were a few black slaves. All slaves had no rights and were prisoners to the social system.
Marie-Joseph Angelique
In 1734 a fire destroyed half of Montreal. Marie Angelique, who was a black slave, was accused of setting the fire and sentenced to public death. She set the fire to escape Montreal and poverty. She has become a symbol of resistance.
Economic development
Economic development was a challenge. Colonists mostly practiced farming, certain types of artisanal work was emerging. Incoming intendants continued to attempt to diversify the economy. (change the way people make money)
Michel Begon
Intendant from 1712-1726, encouraged to make money off of exploited trees and hemp cultivation.
Gilles Hocquart
Intendant from 1729-1748 encouraged the navy to transport goods (colbertism)and hemp and flax production.
Le chemin de roy
Hoquart build a road that connects Quebec and Montreal. The road passes through Trois Rivieres and was built to facilitate trade between New France’s two largest urban centres, it also made communication better.
The Forges du Saint-Maurice
France was encouraging the exploitation of minerals and precious stones. The presence of iron ore in Trois Rivieres prompted the development of the Forges du Saint-Maurice. The population had better access to metal or iron goods such as stoves (help draw out dampness), plough parts (used for farming) and pots and pans.
Obstacles of economic diversification
Intendants were failing in diversifying the economy. Resources such as iron ore were only found in populated areas, there weren’t a lot of those. The St-Lawrence river was frozen for almost 5 months because of the brutal winter, resources couldn’t be exploited.
