Explorers and New France

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A sea route from the Atlantic to Pacific that passed through or around North America.

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What was the Northwest Passage?

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John Cabot was an English explorer who explored the east coast of North America, discovering 'new-foundland' which is now Canada's Newfoundland.

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Who was John Cabot and what did he do in 1497?

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Giovanni Verrazano was a French explorer looking for the Northwest Passage. He explored the eastern coast from the Carolinas to Canada, sailing up the Hudson River and New York harbor.

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Who was Giovanni Verrazano and what did he explore in 1524?

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Henry Hudson sailed for both the Netherlands and England, claimed the land in present-day New York for the Dutch, and sailed up the river now named for him. He also sailed northern Canada for England and died in the Hudson Bay, which is named for him.

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What did Henry Hudson accomplish?

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Sir Francis Drake was an English pirate who took goods from Spanish ships and was the second person to circumnavigate the world.

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Who was Sir Francis Drake?

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Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who sailed down the St. Lawrence River, claiming the land for France and naming Montreal, which means 'Royal Mountain.'

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What did Jacques Cartier do between 1534-1536?

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Samuel de Champlain founded the first settlement in New France called Port Royal on the St. Lawrence River and later founded Quebec, the capital of New France. He is known as the 'Father of New France.'

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Who was Samuel de Champlain and what did he accomplish in 1608?

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The French profited from fish and furs, trading with Native Americans instead of making them slaves. Beaver skins made into hats were particularly profitable.

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How did the French profit in New France?

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The 'Coureurs de bois' were independent traders who lived among the Indians, known as 'runners of the woods.'

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Who were the 'Coureurs de bois'?

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French trappers explored the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, which they called 'The Father of Waters.'

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What was the significance of the Mississippi River to French explorers?