Empire 268. Colonising Canada: Why Does Quebec Speak French? (Ep 2)
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Jun 30, 2025 Discover how beaver fur and codfish transformed a failing French colonization into a thriving New France. Explore the historical background that shaped Quebec as a French-speaking region. Uncover the intricate alliances between Indigenous leaders and French settlers, revealing a complex interplay of trade and tribal dynamics. Delve into Samuel de Champlain’s role in establishing Quebec and the unique contributions of early adventurers like Étienne Brûlée. Learn about the founding of the Hudson Bay Company and how it sparked territorial competition.
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Beaver Fur Trade Drives Colonies
- The French persist in Canada due to the lucrative beaver fur trade, not gold or diamonds.
- Beaver pelts are essential for high-quality felt hats, fueling a booming European fashion craze for centuries.
Champlain’s Strategic Founding
- Samuel de Champlain's founding of Quebec was backed by Cardinal Richelieu to secure France's place against British expansion.
- Champlain's detailed mapping transformed European knowledge of the New World, aiding colonization.
Indigenous Influence Over French
- Indigenous tribes actively manipulated French settlers to fight their tribal wars, using alliances for their own benefit.
- French settlers were invited and pulled into local politics rather than acting as dominating colonizers initially.
