Lecture Notes: The Conquest and Settlement of North America

Introduction

• Historical Context:
  • 500 years ago, Spain was a dominant power, envied and feared by England and France.
  • Spanish soldiers, with minimal resources, conquered the Aztec Empire.
  • Spain's conquest brought immense wealth, creating envy among European nations.
  • The search for wealth led to new explorations and conflicts in North America.

Spanish Conquest and Wealth

• Conquistadors' Motivation:
  • Aimed to serve God and the king, but also to get rich.
  • Discovery of immense wealth in the Aztec Empire.
• Impact on Europe:
  • King Philip II of Spain became the most powerful monarch in Europe.
  • Other nations, like England and France, were inspired to seek their empires.

The Race for North America

• Explorations and Alliances:
  • Dreams of finding a route to China and gold under the Arctic ice.
  • Forming alliances with indigenous peoples and facing new conflicts.
• Notable Explorers:
  • Martin Frobisher's failed attempt to find the Northwest Passage.
  • His expeditions and interactions with the Inuit.

French and English Settlements

• Failures and Attempts:
  • English attempts to settle Newfoundland faced challenges like piracy and harsh winters.
  • John Guy's colony faced setbacks and ultimately dwindled.
• French Explorations:
  • Samuel de Champlain's efforts to establish Quebec and alliances with indigenous groups.
  • Trade and military alliances with the Montagnais, Algonquin, and Huron.

Conflict with the Iroquois

• French-Iroquois Relations:
  • French alliance with Huron made them enemies with the Iroquois.
  • Champlain's involvement in indigenous conflicts.

Growth of New France

• Trade and Religion:
  • Fur trade as a major economic driver.
  • Introduction of Christianity by Jesuit missionaries.
  • Challenges faced by missionaries in converting indigenous peoples.
• Immigration and Population Growth:
  • Arrival of settlers and the Filles du Roi (King's Daughters) to increase population.
  • Jean Talon's efforts to build a prosperous colony.

Challenges and Adaptations

• Cultural and Social Dynamics:
  • The clash between European and indigenous cultures.
  • Impact of European diseases on indigenous populations.
• Military and Political Struggles:
  • French and English tensions and conflicts.
  • The role of French military forces in defending the colony.

Conclusion

• Legacy and Future of New France:
  • Transition from a trading post to a colonial settlement.
  • The foundation for future Canadian society and culture.

Note: These notes capture the key events and themes of the Spanish conquest and the subsequent race by European powers to colonize North America, focusing on the experiences of the English and French.