In the 16th century, the first attempts by the French to colonize North America failed, until the first permanent settlement was established in Quebec in 1608. Quebec City was founded followed by the establishment of Trois-Rivières and Ville-Marie (Montreal) for economic and religious reasons. The seigneurial system was implemented to parcel land and organize society.
From the start of the 17th century, alliances formed between the French and First Nations peoples, which ensured a supply of furs for the French. However, these alliances forced them to take part in conflicts between certain Indigenous nations.
Religious communities arrived in response to a missionary drive to evangelize the First Nations peoples, as well as the desire to provide for the colony’s educational and healthcare needs.
New France’s colonization was entrusted to fur trading companies, and populations remained sparse from 1608 to 1663.
To find out more about the French Settling in North America, check out the following concept sheets:
