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Early Colonial History Worksheet

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Jeremy Hatt
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37 views3 pages

Early Colonial History Worksheet

Uploaded by

Jeremy Hatt
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Early Colonial History of Atlantic Canada

Student Reading and Questions

Name: _________________ Date: __________________

Reading Passage

When French explorers like Jacques Cartier arrived in the 1500s, they were
searching for a faster route to Asia. They hoped to find riches like gold, silk,
and spices. Instead, they found vast forests, rivers, and oceans full of fish.
The English also sent explorers, including John Cabot, who landed on the
coast of what is now Newfoundland. Both nations soon realized that fur,
especially beaver pelts, was incredibly valuable in Europe because it was
used to make hats and coats.

The French took a different approach to colonization than the English. The
French focused on building strong trading relationships with the First Nations,
such as the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet. These First Nations were experts at
hunting and trapping animals, and they shared their knowledge with French
fur traders. In return, the French provided goods like metal tools, cloth, and
beads. French settlements were usually small and centered around trade.

The English, however, focused more on farming and building larger


permanent settlements. They cleared land for agriculture and established
towns. This led to more conflicts with the First Nations over land and
resources. Over time, the English colonies grew faster, especially in areas
like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The fur trade and colonization had a lasting impact on Atlantic Canada. The
French influence can still be seen in the region's culture, especially in
Acadian communities. Meanwhile, the English focus on farming and
settlement shaped the development of cities and towns. The First Nations
peoples' role was critical to the success of the fur trade, but colonization also
brought challenges for them, including loss of land and new diseases.
Questions: Answer each question in complete sentences.

1. Why did the French and English first come to Canada?

2. What valuable resource did the French and English find in Atlantic
Canada?

3. How did the French and English approach colonization differently?


(Hint: Think about trade vs. farming.)

4. What role did First Nations play in the fur trade? (Hint: Consider what
they shared and traded with the French.)

5. Bonus Question: What are some ways we can still see the impact of
French and English colonization in Atlantic Canada today? (Hint: Think
about cultural traditions, languages, and the types of towns or
settlements that were built.)

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