In an attempt to gain control of much of the North American continent the French began their colonization in and around the valley of the Mississippi River and created the province of Louisiana, an enterprise that continued until 1763 at which time their vast land holdings were divided up between Spain and Great Britain by the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
Full Answer
What was the French settlement on the Mississippi River?
The French Settlement. Ste. Genevieve, a French Village on the Mississippi near St. Louis, 1797. During the Eighteenth Century, settlement of the North American continent became part of the larger political struggle between major European nations. Great Britain, Spain, and France vied with each other for dominance in Europe and the New World.
Why did the French want to settle in North America?
Henri IV wanted France to harvest the rich pelts it could find in Northeastern America. Henri also asked Du Gua de Mons to create a settlement in what are now the Maritime provinces of Canada. Officially, Port-Royal (Annapolis Royal) is the first French settlement in North America.
How did the Mississippi River affect the expansion of America?
The Mississippi River and Expansion of America. Fort Rosalie, the first permanent white settlement on the Mississippi River and now called Natchez, was built by the French in 1716. Bienville founded New Orleans in 1718, and four years later this city was made the capital of the region known as Louisiana.
How did the French settle in Upper Louisiana?
French settlements such as Ste. Genevieve signaled the spread of French influence in Upper Louisiana. The first settlers traveled down river from French Canada, establishing French culture and political authority in the Mid-Mississippi Valley. Ste.
What did the French do to establish colonies in North America?
He founded New France by planting a cross on the shore of the Gaspé Peninsula. The French subsequently tried to establish several colonies throughout North America that failed, due to weather, disease, or conflict with other European powers. Cartier attempted to create the first permanent European settlement in North America at Cap-Rouge (Quebec City) in 1541 with 400 settlers but the settlement was abandoned the next year after bad weather and attacks from Native Americans in the area. A small group of French troops were left on Parris Island, South Carolina in 1562 to build Charlesfort, but left after a year when they were not resupplied by France. Fort Caroline established in present-day Jacksonville, Florida, in 1564, lasted only a year before being destroyed by the Spanish from St. Augustine. An attempt to settle convicts on Sable Island off Nova Scotia in 1598 failed after a short time. In 1599, a sixteen-person trading post was established in Tadoussac (in present-day Quebec ), of which only five men survived the first winter. In 1604 Pierre Du Gua de Monts and Samuel de Champlain founded a short-lived French colony, the first in Acadia, on Saint Croix Island, presently part of the state of Maine, which was much plagued by illness, perhaps scurvy. The following year the settlement was moved to Port Royal, located in present-day Nova Scotia.
When did France colonize the Americas?
The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America.
How did Villegaignon expand the colony?
Unchallenged by the Portuguese, who initially took little notice of his landing, Villegaignon endeavoured to expand the colony by calling for more colonists in 1556. He sent one of his ships, the Grande Roberge, to Honfleur, entrusted with letters to King Henry II, Gaspard de Coligny and according to some accounts, the Protestant leader John Calvin. After one ship was sent to France to ask for additional support, three ships were financed and prepared by the king of France and put under the command of Sieur De Bois le Comte, a nephew of Villegagnon. They were joined by 14 Calvinists from Geneva, led by Philippe de Corguilleray, including theologians Pierre Richier and Guillaume Chartrier. The new colonists, numbering around 300, included 5 young women to be wed, 10 boys to be trained as translators, as well as 14 Calvinists sent by Calvin, and also Jean de Léry, who would later write an account of the colony. They arrived in March 1557. The relief fleet was composed of: The Petite Roberge, with 80 soldiers and sailors was led by Vice Admiral Sieur De Bois le Comte. The Grande Roberge, with about 120 on board, captained by Sieur de Sainte-Marie dit l'Espine. The Rosée, with about 90 people, led by Captain Rosée. Doctrinal disputes arose between Villegagnon and the Calvinists, especially in relation to the Eucharist, and in October 1557 the Calvinists were banished from Coligny island as a result. They settled among the Tupinamba until January 1558, when some of them managed to return to France by ship together with Jean de Léry, and five others chose to return to Coligny island where three of them were drowned by Villegagnon for refusing to recant.
What colony did Champlain establish?
The expedition then founded the colony of Port-Royal . In 1608, Champlain founded a fur post that would become the city of Quebec, which would become the capital of New France. In Quebec, Champlain forged alliances between France and the Huron and Ottawa against their traditional enemies, the Iroquois.
How many wives did Louis XIV send to New France?
That year, to increase the population, Louis XIV sent between 800 and 900 ' King's Daughters ' to become the wives of French settlers. The population of New France reached subsequently 7000 in 1674 and 15000 in 1689.
What was the French interest in Canada in 1664?
Political map of the Northeastern part of North America in 1664. The French interest in Canada focused first on fishing off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. However, at the beginning of the 17th century, France was more interested in fur from North America.
How many colonial wars did France have?
At the beginning of the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the British population in North America outnumbered the French 20 to 1. France fought a total of six colonial wars in North America (see the four French and Indian Wars as well as Father Rale's War and Father Le Loutre's War ). See also: Franco-Indian alliance.
What did the French exploration of the New World lead to?
The French exploration of the New World led to permanent settlements in parts of North America. Discover the overview and history of the French explorations, the establishment of settlements, the exploration profit, exploring the Mississippi River, and the legacy of the exploration. Updated: 09/13/2021
How did the French begin their exploration of the New World?
Lesson Summary. The French began their exploration of the New World by looking for new fishing waters and the Northwest Passage. At first, they only founded temporary trading posts, but as profits increased and more French people found their way to the New World, permanent settlements were established, such as New Orleans. ...
Why was New Orleans called New Orleans?
They called their colony La Nouvelle Orleans, or New Orleans, in honor of the regent of France at the time. The French Mississippi Company controlled colony until 1779, when the Spanish took control of the city. The French regained control of New Orleans in 1801, but they sold New Orleans to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
What did the French want to do with the frigid region?
Few French settlers wanted to set up communities in the frigid region. The French monarchs of the period were largely interested in trading and not in setting up permanent communities. In 1718, the French Mississippi Company founded one of the most successful French colonies at the end of the Mississippi River.
Why did the Huron tribe trade with the French?
The Huron tribe eventually developed exclusive trade relationship with the French in return for French military aid against the Iroquois tribes. French traders often lived and traveled with the tribes they traded with. Many took Native American spouses and kept extensive records about life with the tribes.
Where did Joliet and Marquette explore?
Joliet and Marquette explored from a French outpost on Lake Michigan to the Arkansas River. They encountered buffalo, which they termed large cattle, and monstrously large catfish. They decided to return to Lake Michigan when they came close to Spanish settlements.
Why were the French concerned about the Spanish?
They were concerned that the Spanish might imprison them for trespassing on their territory. Legacy of French Exploration. Although the French established only a few lasting colonies, they explored deeper into the interior of the North American continent than any other European explorers of the time.
What were the consequences of the French and Indian War?
The consequences of the French and Indian War would do more to drive a wedge in between Britain and her colonists more so than any other event up to that point in history. During the Seven Years’ War, Britain’s national debt nearly doubled, and the colonies would shoulder a good portion of the burden of paying it off.
When did the French take over the French stronghold of Aix-la-Chappelle?
A colonial provincial expeditionary force had captured the stronghold in 1745 during King George’s War, and much to their chagrin, it was returned to the French as a provision of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappelle (1748). That would not be the case this time around.
What were the British people afraid of?
For nearly a century they had lived in fear of the French colonists and their Native American allies to the north and west.
How far away were the colonists from Britain?
As the years following the French and Indian War drug on, the colonists—already 3,000 miles away from Britain—grew further and further apart from the mother country.
What happened to the Native Americans as British traders moved westward over the mountains?
As British traders moved westward over the mountains, disputes erupted between them and the Native Americans (previously allied with French) who inhabited the region. Overpriced goods did not appeal to the Native Americans, and almost immediately tensions arose.
What islands did the British take over in the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean, the islands of Saint Vincent, Dominica, Tobago, Grenada, and the Grenadines would remain in British hands. Another bug acquisition for His Majesty’s North American empire came from Spain in the form of Florida. In return, Havana was given back to the Spanish.
What was the significance of the surrender of Montreal?
The surrender of Montreal on September 8, 1760 signaled an end to all major military operations between Britain in France in North America during the French and Indian War. Although the guns had fallen silent in Canada and the British colonies, it was still yet to be determined just how or when the Seven Years’ War, ...
Who settled the Mississippi Valley?
The area of the Mississippi Valley was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Sioux, Ojibwe, Potawatomie, Ho-Chunk, Fox, Kickapoo, Tamaroa, Moingwena, Quapaw, and Chickasaw. Hernando de Soto. Christopher Columbus may have been the first European to view the Mississippi River.
What river has played a greater role in the development and expansion of America than the Mississippi River?
No river has played a greater part in the development and expansion of America than the Mississippi. Since the first person viewed this mighty stream, it has been a vital factor in the physical and economic growth of the United States.
What was the first steamboat to travel the Mississippi River?
The first steamboat to travel the Mississippi was the New Orleans.
How long did it take to travel on a steamboat from Louisville to New Orleans?
Before the invention of the steamboat, a trip from Louisville to New Orleans often required four months. In 1820, the trip was made by steamboat in 20 days. By 1838, the same trip was being made in 6 days. Missouri Steamboat. These boats were by no means small by Mississippi River standards.
What was the first queen of the river trade?
The keelboat was the first queen of the river trade. A two-way traveler, it was long and narrow with graceful lines, built to survive many trips. A keelboat could carry as much as 80 tons of freight. Floated downriver, it was “Cordelled” up the stream. This called for a crew of tough and hardy men, for cordelling was a process by which a crew on the bank towed the keelboat along against the current.
Where does the Mississippi River flow?
From tiny Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, it twists and turns through the land of the Chippewa, 2,348 miles south through the heart of the United States. It sweeps past Minneapolis and St. Paul, growing larger as tributaries add their flows. It is joined by the Missouri River north of St. Louis and receives the waters of the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. Here it becomes the Lower Mississippi, a river giant, unequaled among American waters. Flowing south, it touches romantic river towns — Memphis, Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Almost a thousand river miles south of Cairo, Illinois, it pours its torrent into the Gulf of Mexico.
Which treaty gave Great Britain the right to all land east of the Mississippi River?
The Treaty of Paris in 1763. signed by Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal gave Great Britain rights to all land east of the Mississippi and Spain rights to land west of the river.
Who was the king of France who wanted to harvest the rich pelts it could find in Northeastern?
In 1599, Pierre Dugua de Mons, Pierre de Chauvin de Tonnenuit and Samuel de Champlain traveled to North America on behalf of Henri IV, King of France and Navarre, also called le bon roi (the good King). Henri IV wanted France to harvest the rich pelts it could find in Northeastern America. Henri also asked Du Gua de Mons to create ...
When was Tonnetuit settled?
It was settled in 1604, four years before Champlain settled Quebec City. However, to be precise, Tonnetuit’s trading post was the first French settlement in North America, and it was located in the present-day Québec, one of the two provinces of New France. The other was Acadie.
What occupation did Pierre de Chauvin de Tonnetuit have?
As for Pierre de Chauvin de Tonnetuit, his occupation, fur trading, was that of a Huguenot. So, if his trading post was the first French settlement in the Americas, the very first French settlement in the Americas was a Huguenot settlement.
Who was the first shareholder of New France?
New France was governed by the Company of One Hundred Associates and its first shareholder was Cardinal Richelieu. More permanent was the fur-trade. The French in Canada tended to their thirty acres, but many had to go to the countries above, les pays d’en haut. They were voyageurs or coureurs des bois.
What was the trading post of Pierre Chauvin?
New France would have its legendary voyageurs. They would be Catholics. But Pierre Chauvin’s trading post was a Huguenot settlement. When Pierre de Chauvin de Tonnentuit returned to France, he left sixteen (16) men at Tadoussac. It was a settlement.
What did Louis XIV do to expand the French colony?
Following the War of the League of Augsburg (1688–1697), Louis XIV of France moved aggressively to expand French territories, and the French minister of the marine Louis de Phélypeaux, Comte de Pontchartrain, secretly made plans to establish French posts in Louisiana. In doing so, Pontchartrain intended to undermine the colonial interests of the English, Dutch, and Spanish along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville et d’Ardillières led the first French expedition to the vicinity of present-day Biloxi in 1699, followed by a year of exploring the Mississippi and Red River Valleys and making contact with the Natchez and other petites nations. In 1702 Iberville moved the colony’s base of operations to Mobile, where roughly 140 French speakers hoped to develop closer trade and military ties with the Choctaw and Chickasaw in order to check British expansion. Before permanently leaving Louisiana, Iberville vested considerable authority in his brother Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, sieur de Bienville, and his cousin Pierre Charles Le Sueur.
Who secured a contract for the colonization of Lower Louisiana from Louis XIV in 1682?
He then calculated what he thought was the mouth’s latitude, returned northward to Canada, and started planning for the establishment of a colony on the Colbert River. La Salle secured a contract for the colonization of Lower Louisiana from Louis XIV in 1682.
What was the French colonial economy influenced by?
The close interconnectedness of Native Americans and Europeans during this early colonization phase convinced historian Daniel Usner to describe French colonial Louisiana as a “frontier exchange economy” influenced by local and regional networks as well as transatlantic and global movements.
What was the Mississippi Valley's multicultural history?
The multicultural composition of the Lower Mississippi Valley remained strong even after the cession of Louisiana to Spain in 1763, the retrocession to France in 1800, and the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, effectively making the state of Louisiana both representative of the diversity of the United States and unique for its distinctive colonial past.
What was the first century of colonial Louisiana?
F rench colonial Louisiana refers to the first century of permanent European settlement in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans contributed to the development of a complex frontier society at the geographic nexus of the Americas.
Why did Louis XV cede Louisiana to Spain?
Most historians cite Louis XV’s interest in strengthening Franco-Spanish ties and relinquishing control over an economically burdensome colony. Regardless, the decision to cede Louisiana to Spain had little immediate impact on the local population. Approximately 1,500 people of European descent and 2,000 people of African descent resided in and around New Orleans in 1766. Pointe Coupée and Natchitoches also remained important French settlements after the cession of Louisiana to Spain. French trading continued throughout frontier regions west of the Mississippi River. A complex network of plantations lined the Mississippi River from the Balize (near the mouth of the Mississippi River in present-day Plaquemines Parish) through the German Coast (just above New Orleans in present-day St. Charles Parish) to Natchez. Levees, both natural and manmade, protected plantations from frequent inundation and functioned as a sort of road for overland travel. In 1766, St. Gabriel (just above Bayou La Fourche) became the site of one of the first Acadian settlements in Louisiana. Acadians continued to migrate farther west via the Atchafalaya River to the Opelousas and Attakapas districts of southwestern Louisiana during the late 1760s. Several frontier posts dotted the banks of the Mississippi River above the Arkansas River in the Illinois Country, including Cape Girardeau, Kaskaskia, Ste. Geneviève, and St. Louis.
When did Bienville move to New Orleans?
Bienville moved the colonial capital from Mobile to New Orleans in 1718.
Why did the French go back to France?
The French quickly discovered they could go back to France in the winter months with ships laden with furs they had purchased from the Natives with European wares , such as metal cooking pots, weapons, horses, and other goods not accessible to the Natives at that time. The Natives also accompanied the French on hunting parties and showed them where the good fur animals could be found. The French made it a point to learn the Native languages and ways, and established good relations that were based on equality with all of the tribes in the area.
When did the French settle in Virginia?
The French began to stay year-round in the early 1600s, establishing their first permanent settlement at Quebec in 1608, one year after the English founded Jamestown in Virginia.
Why were the French different from the Natives?
Why were the French different? The main reason is that they did not try to change the Natives. They also did not compete with the Natives for land. When the French first came to the Americas in the 1530s and 1540s to engage in seasonal fur trading, they immediately established strong trading ties with the local Natives they found there. The Natives already dealt extensively in furs.
How did the English treat the Native Americans?
The English treated the Natives as inferior, believed they stood in the way of their God-given right to the land in America and tried to subject the Natives to their laws as they established their colonies .
What led the Native Americans to side with the French?
This close alliance, which was based on mutual respect and good treatment from both sides, led the Natives to side with the French in their conflicts with the English settlers that came later in the 1600s and into the mid-1700s. Relations between the Natives and the English were not nearly as good.
Did the French have better relations with Native Americans?
The French enjoyed much better relations with Native Americans than other European groups when they first came to American shores. Here are the reasons why.
Did hostilities occur between early American colonists and Native Americans?
There are all kinds of stories of hostilities between early American colonists and the Native people who were already there. However, these hostilities did not occur with every European group who came.
What was the French influence in New Orleans?
French Influence in New Orleans Today. Given the history of English and Spanish colonial expansion into North America, it’s easy to forget New France, a vast territory where the French had a significant stake in the New World. The Louisiana city of New Orleans still retains much of its French-infused heritage, and many of its residents hold on ...
Where did France claim the North American territories?
New France-the North American territories claimed by France-once extended from Hudson Bay in present-day Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the shores of the North Atlantic to the Great Plains.
Why did the French want to end the Seven Years War?
Ultimately, they feared the English would win the conflict, and French influence over New Orleans and the surrounding territory would come to an inglorious end.
Why did Napoleon send troops to Saint Domingue?
However, faced with a slave uprising on the island of Saint Domingue (what is now the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and the specter of a war with Great Britain over control of Louisiana, Napoleon had a decision to make: Rather than send troops to defend New Orleans, which the British saw for its value as a port, and the surrounding territory, the military leader dispatched 20,000 soldiers to Saint Domingue to quell the slave revolt, leaving New Orleans and French Louisiana essentially defenseless in the event of a British attack.
How much did the Louisiana Purchase cost?
Eventually, they negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, a deal that included the huge 828,000 square mile-territory that includes New Orleans and the Mississippi River Valley, for $15 million.
What was the name of the treaty that gave the French the territory of Louisiana and the island of Orleans?
The Treaty of Fontainebleau. In 1762, following the brutal French and Indian War, the government of France negotiated the Treaty of Fontainebleau with their counterparts in Spain. The treaty effectively ceded the territory of Louisiana and the island of Orleans—essentially what is now New Orleans—to the Spaniards.
How long was the Treaty of Fontainebleau kept secret?
The Treaty of Fontainebleau was kept secret for nearly a year, and once the French colonists learned of its existence, they revolted. Essentially, they didn’t take kindly to the thought of Spanish rule.
