Monopolies and Imperialism
Monopoly = the complete control of a resource by a single company.
European rulers and merchants set up monopolies to claim land and resources in North America. See "Imperialism". This then led to colonies being established. Under a monopoly, the ruler gave a merchant(s) special economic opportunities to make money from the company. In exchange the merchant promised to create a permanent settlement to keep getting the raw resources needed. The ruler ("crown") set rules and rights in a "charter" and monopolies were often referred to as "charter companies". Champlain's ColonyThe St. Lawrence river, under Champlain, became a "highway" into the heart of the continent and an area of trading.
Champlain built his habitation at Quebec. This created and established fur-trading partnerships with the first nations in the area, especially the Huron people. This also created an enemy - the Iroquois. Being that the Iroquois Confederacy was just south of Champlain's habitation and that of Huronia, the partnership became sealed in blood and in trading of fur. Coureurs de bois and VoyageursTo encourage trade and learn more about the partners in trading, Champlain began to send out men to establish relationships with the First Nations.
Coureurs de bois or "runners of the woods" often lived among the tribes and learned customs, languages, and the lay of the land. The "original coureurs de bois" was Etienne Brule, who spent 20 years among the Huron. Voyageurs or "travelers" traded and transported furs using canoes. In 1617, Champlain wanted to settle New France, and asked Louis and Marie Hebert to establish a home in New France. Louis, Marie and their three children became known as "the original habitants", and began farming and clearing the land. Colonization had begun!
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Similarities and Differences between British and French ImperialismImperialism = a policy or decision on the part of a ruler or government of one territory to dominate other territories.
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