British Colonization and the Conquest of New France - History of Canada to 1867 Study Guide 2024 | Fiveable (2024)

Key Terms to Review (30)

Agricultural economy: An agricultural economy is a system where the primary means of production and livelihood is based on farming and agriculture. This type of economy typically emphasizes crop cultivation and livestock raising as its main economic activities, shaping the social structure, culture, and trade dynamics of a region. In the context of British colonization and the Conquest of New France, agricultural economies were critical in establishing settlement patterns, food supply chains, and trade relations with both Indigenous populations and European powers.

Albany Congress: The Albany Congress was a meeting of representatives from seven British colonies in North America that took place in 1754. The primary aim was to discuss mutual defense against French expansion and to forge a unified front during the French and Indian War. This congress marked an early attempt at colonial cooperation and laid the groundwork for future collaborations among the colonies.

Battle of the Monongahela: The Battle of the Monongahela, fought on July 9, 1755, was a significant conflict during the French and Indian War, where British forces, led by General Edward Braddock, faced off against French troops and their Native American allies. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for control over North America, highlighting the difficulties faced by British colonists in their attempts to conquer New France.

Battle of the Plains of Abraham: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal military engagement fought on September 13, 1759, during the Seven Years' War between British forces and the French defenders of Quebec City. This battle marked a significant turning point in the struggle for control over North America, ultimately leading to the British conquest of New France and changing the balance of power in the region.

Capture of Montreal: The Capture of Montreal was a pivotal event that occurred in 1760 during the Seven Years' War, marking the British conquest of New France. This event effectively ended French colonial rule in North America, leading to the transfer of power to the British and significant changes in the political landscape of the continent. The capture demonstrated British military strength and highlighted the vulnerabilities of French defenses, ultimately reshaping the future of Canada.

Conquest of Quebec: The Conquest of Quebec refers to the British military campaign that culminated in the capture of Quebec City in 1759 during the Seven Years' War, marking a significant turning point in the struggle for control over North America between the British and French empires. This event was pivotal as it led to the eventual British dominance over New France and significantly altered the political landscape of North America.

Coureurs des bois: Coureurs des bois were independent French-Canadian fur traders and explorers who ventured into the wilderness during the 17th and 18th centuries. They played a vital role in the fur trade, establishing trade networks with Indigenous peoples and contributing to the expansion of French influence in North America.

Cultural assimilation: Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the beliefs, values, and behaviors of another, often leading to a diminished presence of the original culture. This process can result in the merging or replacement of cultural identities, influencing aspects such as language, religion, and social norms. It is particularly relevant in historical contexts where dominant cultures seek to integrate minority groups.

Disease impact: Disease impact refers to the significant effects that diseases have on populations, particularly in terms of mortality, social structure, and economic conditions. In the context of British colonization and the conquest of New France, the introduction of new diseases by European settlers had devastating consequences for Indigenous populations, altering their demographic landscape and disrupting traditional ways of life.

Fur trade: The fur trade refers to the industry and trade of animal pelts, particularly beaver fur, which played a crucial role in the economic and social development of North America from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This trade was essential for European powers, particularly the French and British, as it provided valuable resources for the construction of clothing and hats, influencing fashion trends in Europe. The competition for control over fur trading routes and territories also fueled colonial expansion and conflicts between European powers and Indigenous peoples.

Huron-Wendat: The Huron-Wendat are an Indigenous people originally located in what is now southern Ontario, Canada, known for their agricultural practices, complex social structures, and active trade networks. They played a crucial role in the early interactions between Indigenous populations and European colonizers, particularly during the French colonization of North America.

Iroquois Confederacy: The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee or Six Nations, is a political alliance formed in the late 16th century among several Native American tribes in what is now the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This confederation was significant for its sophisticated system of governance and diplomacy, which allowed the member tribes to maintain unity and strength against external pressures, particularly during the colonial struggles between European powers and during the conflicts that followed.

James Wolfe: James Wolfe was a British Army officer and military commander known for his pivotal role in the conquest of New France during the Seven Years' War. His most famous achievement came at the Battle of Quebec in 1759, where he led British forces to victory against French troops, ultimately leading to the fall of Quebec City and altering the course of Canadian history.

Land Grants: Land grants are parcels of land given by a government or authority to individuals or groups, often for settlement, cultivation, or development purposes. These grants played a critical role in shaping the social and economic landscape of early Canadian territories, influencing settlement patterns and land ownership during the British colonization of New France and the subsequent governance of Canada.

Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of government in promoting national power by regulating the economy, particularly through the accumulation of wealth in the form of gold and silver. This theory led to the establishment of colonial empires, as European powers sought to control trade routes and resources to enhance their own wealth and influence.

Montcalm: Louis-Joseph de Montcalm was a French military commander known for his leadership during the French and Indian War, particularly in the defense of New France against British forces. His strategies and tactics were significant during the conflict, especially during the pivotal Battle of Quebec in 1759, which ultimately led to the British conquest of New France.

Naval superiority: Naval superiority refers to the dominance of one naval power over others in terms of military strength and control of maritime operations. This concept was crucial during the British colonization of North America and the conquest of New France, as it allowed the British to control key waterways, secure supply lines, and project military force against rival powers.

Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located on the east coast, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant role in early Canadian history. It was one of the first areas of European settlement in North America and played a crucial part during various historical events such as the Acadian deportation, the American Revolution, and the formation of Canada as a nation.

Odawa: The Odawa, also known as the Ottawa, are an Indigenous people primarily located in the Great Lakes region of North America. Their history is intertwined with the broader narrative of British colonization and the conquest of New France, as they played significant roles in trade, alliances, and conflicts during this transformative period.

Ojibwe: The Ojibwe, also known as the Chippewa, are an Indigenous people originally inhabiting the Great Lakes region of Canada and the northern United States. They are part of the larger Algonquian linguistic group and have a rich cultural heritage, including unique spiritual beliefs, social structures, and historical connections to the land. The Ojibwe played a significant role in the fur trade and interactions with European powers during colonization.

Pontiac's War: Pontiac's War was an armed conflict that occurred between 1763 and 1766, involving a coalition of Native American tribes led by Ottawa chief Pontiac against British rule in the Great Lakes region following the British conquest of New France. This conflict arose as Native Americans sought to resist British encroachment on their lands and preserve their way of life, revealing the tensions that emerged after the shift in colonial power.

Quebec Act of 1774: The Quebec Act of 1774 was a law passed by the British Parliament that expanded the boundaries of Quebec and granted religious freedom to Catholics, as well as restoring French civil law in the province. This act was significant as it aimed to create a more stable governance in Quebec after the British conquest of New France and to accommodate the French-speaking population, reflecting a shift in British colonial policy following the Seven Years' War.

Royal Proclamation of 1763: The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III of Britain following the end of the Seven Years' War, establishing a framework for the governance of British territories in North America. It aimed to organize newly acquired lands, regulate relations with Indigenous peoples, and prevent colonial expansion westward beyond the Appalachian Mountains, influencing British colonial policies and shaping immigration and settlement patterns.

Seven Years' War: The Seven Years' War was a global conflict that lasted from 1756 to 1763, involving many of the great powers of the time and often regarded as the first 'world war.' This war was crucial for shaping the geopolitical landscape of North America, particularly through its outcomes in Canada, as it laid the groundwork for British dominance in the region following the defeat of France. The war's conclusion with the Treaty of Paris marked significant territorial changes and affected relationships between various colonial and indigenous groups.

Siege of Louisbourg: The Siege of Louisbourg was a pivotal military engagement during the French and Indian War, occurring from April to July 1745, where New England colonial forces besieged and captured the strategically important French fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. This victory for the British colonists not only crippled French naval power in North America but also opened up the way for British expansion in the region, significantly impacting the dynamics of colonial competition between Britain and France.

Siege warfare: Siege warfare is a military strategy involving the surrounding and isolating of a fortified position, such as a city or castle, to force its surrender. This method often includes the use of artillery, trenches, and other tactics to weaken defenses and cut off supplies. During the period of British colonization and the conquest of New France, siege warfare played a crucial role in determining territorial control and power dynamics between European powers.

Treaty of Paris 1763: The Treaty of Paris 1763 was an agreement that ended the Seven Years' War, resulting in significant territorial changes in North America. It marked the transition of French territories in Canada to British control, reshaping colonial dynamics and laying the groundwork for future conflicts and developments in what would become Canada.

Upper Canada: Upper Canada was a region established in 1791, encompassing the area that is now Ontario. It was created to accommodate the influx of Loyalist settlers after the American Revolution and was marked by significant political, social, and economic developments that shaped the early history of Canada leading up to Confederation.

Voyageurs: Voyageurs were skilled fur traders and canoeists who played a crucial role in the fur trade in North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were predominantly French, navigating the vast waterways of Canada and transporting goods between French settlements and Indigenous communities. Their expertise not only facilitated the fur trade but also fostered cultural exchanges between different groups.

Wendat: The Wendat, also known as the Huron, were an Indigenous people in North America who historically inhabited the region around the Great Lakes, particularly present-day Ontario and Quebec. They played a significant role during the period of British colonization and the conquest of New France, engaging in complex trade relationships and alliances with European powers.