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# The Colonization of New France The French King designated companies to manage and exploit resources in New France. These companies were responsible for governing and administering the territory, and had to fulfill certain obligations. For example, to encourage population growth in the colony, the...

# The Colonization of New France The French King designated companies to manage and exploit resources in New France. These companies were responsible for governing and administering the territory, and had to fulfill certain obligations. For example, to encourage population growth in the colony, they were required to: * Distribute land to colonists * Provide food and supplies to colonists * Support the establishment of settlers by giving colonists tools/animals Initial attempts at colonization, led by Pierre Du Gua de Mons, in Acadia (Île Sainte-Croix, 1604-1605 and Port-Royal, 1605-1607) failed. Despite this, in 1607 he was allowed to try again but was required that the new colony be located in the valley of the Saint-Laurent. In 1608, Pierre Du Gua de Mons tasked Samuel de Champlain to find a suitable location for a French settlement. On July 3, 1608, Champlain founded Quebec City, marking the permanent establishment of New France. The goals were: * Establishing a permanent settlement * Exploring the territory * Establishing new alliances * Finding a passage to Asia Quebec City was strategically located at the point where the St. Lawrence River narrows. Seven decades prior, the area was inhabited by the Stadaconé, and was visited by Jacques Cartier. Upon Champlain's arrival in 1608, the Iroquoians of the St. Lawrence, who had inhabited the area, and the village of Hochelaga (now Montreal); had dissipated. There were still some Innu (Montagnais) and Algonquin bands. The location of Quebec City offered several advantages: * Strategic location, controlling access to the St. Lawrence River. * Easy to defend given its natural position. * The river offered a convenient route for trade with Indigenous groups (especially the Hurons of Tadoussac), who would bring furs. Champlain established ties with different Indigenous groups in the region, including local trading groups, while recognizing the Huron's role in providing large quantities of furs. This allowed for easier trade and access to furs. Champlain's settlement at Quebec City allowed for easier trade with this powerful nation.