France
Definition
France, like Spain, was another significant European power involved in colonizing parts of North America from 16th century onwards, particularly areas now known as Canada and Louisiana.
Analogy
Imagine France as an artist setting up their studio (colonies) in different locations (North America). They're not just interested in painting landscapes (exploiting resources), but also want to understand and interact with local cultures (Native Americans).
Related terms
Fur Trade: A significant part of French colonial economy based on trade with Native Americans for animal fur, especially beaver pelts used for hats back in Europe.
New France: The area colonized by France in North America during a period extending from exploration by Jacques Cartier in 1534 to cession of New France to Great Britain and Spain under Treaty of Paris in 1763.
Jesuit Missions: Religious missions set up by Jesuits aimed at converting indigenous people to Christianity similar to Spanish missions but often less forceful.
"France" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (9)
How might the outcome of The Seven Years' War have been different if France had invested more in its North American colonies?
What would be a possible consequence if Britain had opted for diplomacy instead of warfare with France during The Seven Years' War?
What if Spain had entered The Seven Years’ War earlier as an ally to France?
What differentiated Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic approach towards France from that towards Britain during Revolutionary War?
How might history change if France had decided not to aid the American colonies during the Revolution?
Which President purchased Louisiana Territory from France, effectively doubling the size of United States?
What would have been a likely effect on the Revolutionary War if France had not allied with America in 1778?
What if President Thomas Jefferson had chosen not to purchase Louisiana Territory from France in what we now call the Louisiana Purchase?
What would have been the likely impact on the American Revolution if France had not allied with the colonists?
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