Inquiries Filed Under:

New France

About the inquiry

This inquiry focuses on the emergence, growth, and collapse of the New France colony in North America. French explorers, missionaries, traders, and settlers established an important presence in North America, beginning with Jacques Cartier’s explorations in 1534 and continuing through the 19th century. The development of the fur-trading industry, along with a relatively stable relationship with Native peoples in North America, peaked around 1710. At that time the French controlled territory stretching west from Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains and south from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Over the next five decades, much of the New France colony collapsed, culminating in a French loss in the French and Indian War (known as the Seven Years’ War in Europe).

Compelling Question

Did the French Lose Out in North America?

Staging Question

Examine two maps—one of New France in 1750 and the other of French-speaking North America in 2006*—and speculate about why the maps are so different.

Supporting Question

Where in North America did the French explore and settle?

Formative Tasks

Create a chart of French explorers within the area and dates of exploration.

Sources

Source A: Maps of French exploration and settlement in North America Source B: Source bank: Excerpts from accounts of Cartier and Champlain’s expeditions to North America Source C: Source bank: Excerpts from accounts of French Catholic missions in 17th-century Canada

Supporting Question

What relationships developed between Native Americans and the French over the fur trade?

Formative Tasks

List the benefits and costs of the North American fur trade.

Sources

Source A: Engraving showing the beaver fur trade Source B: Engraving showing styles of beaver hats in Europe Source C: Table showing the price of beaver pelts in Britain, 1713–1763 Source D: Excerpts from “Your People Live Only Upon Cod”

Supporting Question

How did the French and Indian War affect the French influence in North America?

Formative Tasks

Make a claim about the consequences of the French and Indian War.

Sources

Source A: Map of the French and Indian War Source B: Deportation Grand-Pré Source C: Excerpts from an address by Minavavana

Supporting Question

Where is French culture represented in North America today?

Formative Tasks

Sources

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Did the French lose out in North America? Construct an argument (e.g., speech, movie, poster, essay) that explains how France lost influence in North America, using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing perspectives.

Extension: Create a time-lapse map that illustrates the changes in French influence in North America.

Taking Informed Action

No data found.

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