Exploration of the French and Their Foundations
Though the true first people to inhabit North America are often ignored, the French played a monumental role in the development of not only Canada, but much of the northern United States, as well. The French navigators, explorers, and traders were influential early on, when they developed and maintained outposts in many areas. The first of these was in Quebec City, founded in 1608 on the Saint Lawrence River.
The French explorer, Jacques Cartier, had discovered that area of Canada before the settlement, and even wrote in his journal about it, describing the fertile land and welcoming waters. When constructing the settlement, Cartier and other French soldiers collaborated with the native people to build Fort Ville-Marie. This remained the headquarters and center of colonization efforts for quite some time.
Despite the French being the first Europeans to colonize the area, the Historica Canada organization suggests that it was Samuel de Champlain who is responsible for much of the French influence in the area. Not only did he found Quebec City, but he embarked on explorations of the Lakes and rivers to the west and southwest. This was, according to the organization, the beginning of French influence in the rest of Canada.
Champlain was successful in forming what is now known as Lake Huron and in rewarding a settlement in that specific area. The lake is named after the French explorer and St. Lawrence Iroquoian, who were the first people inhabiting there. It is one of the five Great Lakes connecting the United States and Canada, and was the area of an early French foothold.
The Saskatchewan River was also of great importance to the French, and even today stands as a symbol of French Western exploration. After establishing outposts in the area, Canada and the United States continued to see French influence, which still sparks much discussion today. The outposts developed by French explorers in the 1600s are now known as the famed cities of Montreal, Toronto, and many more.
The French language still exists in many parts of the former French territories, with a total of eleven provinces and one territorial bearing official bilingual statuses. This is a direct result of the early French explorers discovering and settling in the area. French influence has had an undeniable impact.
The Significance of Fort Michilimackinac
With the larger part of the French settlements being located in the Ontario and Quebec regions, archaeological and historical evidence shows the major significance that Fort Michilimackinac played in the success of the French Exploration and expansion. Named after the local Native Americans, the French believed that the fortification of the strategic portage point between the Lakes Michigan and Huron would provide them access and control of the entire interior of North America.
Initially, the French settlers were heavily reliant on trade with Fur trading companies, accompanied with their wide range of Native American allies, however the older fur trading route had several issues due to the dangours posed by over-harvesting and competition to the trading companies. To tackle these issues, the French encouraged settlement in the northern regions for increased trading partners, to secure monopoly operations and control of the fur trading.
Fort Michilimackinac was incredibly well established, with several approaches taking place. French traders, with their Native American allies, established an alliance with the local Indigenous people. This alliance allowed for some of the early settlements to succeed in their aims and goals, as the local Indigenous people provided necessary resources and labour.
As the French traveled further, they encountered more Indigenous communities. The French fur traders’ collaborative efforts with the Hudson Bay Company increased their tendencies of trading. This allowed them to extend their influence over the land, resulting in them obtaining an increased amount of furs and trading partners.
Similarly, the French ventured South of Lake Michigan and Michigan-Huron and into this region of lakes. Initially the French navigators believed these were one large body of water. The recent technological advancements allowed French expedition team to easily explore and map the area, resulting in them realizing the connection between these two lakes.
Expansion of the French
Over time, the French trade relationship with the tribes allowed for exploration of the region to expand rapidly with them establishing permanent outposts and settlements which quickly grew in size. To tackle the location of these new settlements, some were established in various islands such as Manitoulin island. This resulted in the presence of the French in the country being strongly felt across the regions they had explored.
The French explorers constructed several strategic outposts and trading posts in order to increase their trading reach and control of the fur trade. Several names including Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, and Michilimackinac, were being given to the French control locations in the region they had now reached and were exploring further.
The expansion of the French further lead to them building and establishing multiple trade posts located across Canada. They also built over 10 forts which covered the entirety of the Great Lakes region, including the aforementioned Fort Michilimackinac. This systematically established a chain of fortifications and trading posts for increased trade and to control the large, vast region.
The French efforts to extend their influence across the North American continent have been extremely admirable and remain to this day. This is evident with the enduring structure of Laurentian language present, with French being an official language in the country. The French were highly influential with their explorations and settlements, and are remembered to this day.
Impact Of The French
The French explorers and settlers were hugely influential, with the first Canadian immigration route originating in the 17th century with two distinct variants. The first of these being a large French population settling in Quebec, combined with smaller French settlements being established in the Maritime region. The second immigration wave occurred after British-ruled lands, known as Quebec, were established in 1763.
This was not solely limited to French immigration though, as the British began to explore and settle the land significantly more. These movements combined with strong English political pressure, between the British rule and the French settlements lead to drastic changes. It has been argued that these shifts have contributed to the main language in the country being English, further marginalizing the French-speaking population.
The French settlements have also had a wildly influential effect on the culture of North America. Due to the French influence, many towns still carry names originating from French language, as does much of the food consumed in the country. This can be best observed in the various dishes served in Canadian provinces and territories such as Quebec, including the famous Poutine.
However, despite their monumental impact, the French have been unable to overcome the linguistical and geographical differences. This has resulted in the French-speaking provinces being outnumbered by the English-speaking regions, resulting in Quebec being labelled as a distinct society. This ongoing struggle serves as a telling reminder of the incredible achievements and massive failures of the French explorer’s efforts.
Social and Economic Impacts
French Immigrants had an undeniable contribution to the overall economy of Canada. After the French began to migrate, especially to the Montreal area, the development in local industries began to become very prominent. This was due to several reasons, however the main ones being the individuals’ potential to create more profitable and efficient businesses, as well as their increased ability to hire a more diverse range of employees.
The connection between the economy and immigration is quite strong, as the turnover of immigrants brings a renewed motivation and dedication to businesses, as well as a diverse range of skills and perspectives. This can help strengthen the overall economy, with the French migrants associated with being one of the key contributors in Canada’s high economic score.
Moreover, the presence of the French, who were the majority of migrants in the Montreal area, was heavily felt. French Canadians, who were all recent immigrants, embraced and welcomed them despite the cultural differences, forging a strong connection and relationship with the newly minted citizens. The presence of French culture has also been felt, having a knock-on effect to everyday presences observed in the country.
The significance of the recurring flow of migrants in the Montreal area was tremendous, with the French permanently impacting and transforming the cities’ culture and values. The area, as well as the population size and presence changed exponentially. Furthermore, French recognition and pride is also observed in Canada, with various public events and gatherings, including The Grand Prix of Canada, all to showcase and express their appreciation for the French.
Current French Presence
The French presence and impact in Canada clearly remain in this day and age, despite the heavy influx of migrants and settlers seen in the past few centuries. The enduring presence and impact of the French is still felt with their contributions to the culture, economy and recognition felt in the West. The French language is a major part of this, as it has been established and remains as a common language amongst all Canadians, despite the vast number of dialects.
Apart from being seen in the everyday conversations and interactions, the French language has also been used to shape a variety of laws and policies to ensure the protection of the language and its people. This has been an extremely effective measure in maintaining the Franco-Canadian presence, resulting in the French language still being spoken within the younger generations.
French institutions and groups have been instrumental in advancing the presence of the French in Canada, with numerous groups and organizations focused on the development of the spheres and the promotion of French culture. These different groups have also been quite influential in the education sector, allowing for families to receive a quality education with the requirement of French-speaking abilities welcomed in international universities and high schools.
Overall, the French have had an admirable and impacting presence in the history of Canada. In the present, their impact is still visible with the various efforts in promoting and developing French culture and education. The distinct language is still spoken by many of the newer generations, which serves as a reminder of the influence of the French explorers and founders.
