North America was explored and colonized by different nations. In the north, France had established New France, a colony that was struggling to develop. The colonists were mostly French Roman Catholics, and the population was mainly made up of voyageurs, coureurs de bois, Jesuits, and nuns. Although settlement was progressing slowly the French were moving west along waterways, exploring and expanding their colony, and trying to protect the territory they claimed in the name of their king.During this same time the British had brought over far more settlers, and in their colonies to the south cities and towns began developing more quickly than in New France.
TradeTrade is when we buy, sell, or just exchange goods (things, foods, etc.) or services (helping or doing work for someone). More and industry developed, making the 13 colonies more and more independent as they could make their own products (such as textiles) and not rely on Britain. New York welcomed immigrants from many countries and of many religions. In Pennsylvania communities of Quakers and Mennonites settled the rich farmland outside Philadelphia. The southern plantation system required slave labour, and thousands of Africans were brought to America.
By the 1700s the British colonies had thirty times the population of New France. Soon the newcomers needed more and more land.The British EmpireAn empire is group of nations or peoples ruled over by a powerful emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign or government. Usually an empire has a much larger territory than a kingdom! More sought to expand their territory. In Europe, Asia, the West Indies and in North America Britain and France struggled to control tradeTrade is when we buy, sell, or just exchange goods (things, foods, etc.) or services (helping or doing work for someone). More and resourcesResources are anything taken from the earth or nature that people need, use, and are "valued". For example, a country that is rich in resources is one with good land, minerals that can be mined, seas or rivers that are plentiful and can be used for food and other uses. Les ressources sont tout ce qui provient de la terre ou de la nature dont les gens ont besoin, qu'ils utilisent et qui est "valorisé". Par exemple, un pays riche en ressources est un pays qui possède de bonnes terres, des minéraux qui peuvent être exploités, des mers ou des rivières qui sont abondantes et qui peuvent être utilisées pour l'alimentation et d'autres usages. More, and this led to the War of ConquestConquest is when a country, people or individual conquers another. Conquers means to defeat and take over by force. More. Also known as the Seven Years’ War, these two countries fought for control of North America, and by the time a treaty was signed in 1763 New France no longer existed. The British had won.