Question

How did New France differ from the English colonies in seventeenth-century North America?

Answer 1

There were various aspects on which New France differed from English colonies in seventeenth century North America. These are discussed below

• Geography- English colonies were mostly setup on the east coast, from Massachusetts to Georgia. New france, on the other hand, was established around Newfoundland and then expanded towards St Lawrence valley and Missisippi river.
• Population- The population was also of very different kind. English colonies had a mostly non-catholic population with some level of tolerance.In class terms where were farmers, tradesmen and even convicts. New France had a Catholic only policy and settlers were mostly traders and missionaries. The population of English colonies was also much higher than the French colonies.
• Government- There was some sense of autonomy to the English colonies. Local governments could be setup and could tax themselves as long as they didnt rebel against the British crown. French colonies did not have any autonomy and came directly under the French king.
• Economy- English colonies had many different types of jobs- farmers, traders, artisans etc. New France mostly relied on fur trade with the native Americans.
• Relations with Native Americans- English colonies had amiable relationship with the native Americans in the beginning, where Natives taught them how to survive and they traded with them. Eventually the relationship soured as the English wanted more land. Then they were mostly at war. New France had much better relations with the natives where they treated them on equal footing and traded with them.