After many years under the control of the companies, the king decided that New France was not developing as planned. The Company of One Hundred Associates had not fulfilled its mandate to populate the colony, and was also in debt. Faced with the facts, the king decided to take back control of the colony.
In 1663, the king implemented the Royal Government and several measures to increase the population of the colony, which only had 3 000 habitants.
Over generations, the colonists adapted to their new environment and developed a different way of life from their ancestors, the French. Frequent contact between the colonists and First Nations peoples also had a big impact on how each of these groups lived.
On an economic level, there were some important changes to the organization of the fur trade. Jean Talon wanted to diversify the economy so that this business would not be the only appeal. The fruit of his labours was however only temporary, and this activity remained the most profitable in the colony.
The rivalry between the two mother countries, France and Great Britain, gave rise to several conflicts during the 17th and 18th centuries. These conflicts rapidly spread to North America, where intercolonial wars broke out between New France and the Thirteen Colonies.
The last intercolonial war, the War of the Conquest, had major consequences for the future of these colonies. It marked the end of New France under the French mother country.
To find out more about New France Under the Royal Government, see the following concept sheets:
