Key Terms from New France

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Habitant

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A French farmer who lived and worked on the land in New France.

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Seigneur

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A landowner in New France who divided the land and let farmers live and work on it.

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Seigneuries

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Large pieces of land that were divided into strips and given to seigneurs.

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Intendant

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The official in charge of managing the colony’s money, trade, and economy.

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Governor

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The French king’s representative in New France who made important decisions, especially about the military.

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Filles du Roi

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Young women sent from France to New France to marry settlers and help grow the population.

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Coureurs des bois

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Brave men who traveled deep into the forest to trade with Indigenous peoples for furs — often without permission.

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Voyageur

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A man who transported furs and goods by canoe across rivers and lakes, facing tough journeys.

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Why were the filles du roi sent to New France?

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They were sent to marry the single men in New France and increase the population

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Who taught the coureurs des bois their skills?

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The indigenous people