Unit 1
New France and British North America
Lesson 7
Britain vs. France
By 1713, Europeans had been coming to North America for over 200 years. They were competing with each other to claim the land, send goods back to Europe, and build settlements. English explorers were claiming the land for England and French Explorers were claiming the land for France.
Britain vs. France
Why did Britain and France fight over North America?
#1) Both Britain and France wanted to control the fur trade and the rich cod fishing areas of Atlantic Coast.
When arriving in North America, the Europeans saw the large amounts of resources such as fish, fur, and timber. Back in Europe, the demands of a large population left most fur-bearing animals and fish from local lakes close to extinction. The new land in North America offered jobs and wealth and a way to supply growing demands back home.
During this time, the Europeans developed relationships with the First Nations peoples. First Nations taught Europeans how to build canoes and sleds and how to navigate the terrain. They began trading fresh food and fur to Europeans in exchange for metal pots, tools, and cloth. First Nations women provided Europeans with warm clothing such as mittens and leggings, and they helped to prepare fur for transport.
Fur was a necessity to survive in the winter climate, but it also became a popular European fashion in the 1500s. Over time, Europeans’ desire for fur, especially beaver pelts, grew. Fur was used to make hats and other items for wealthy people. First Nations peoples did not fully understand why Europeans would choose to trade what they considered valuable everyday items in exchange for fur. But the trade was beneficial for both groups so it continued.
This drawing shows an unnamed woman wearing a fur muff and cape in 1646. What does this picture tell you about the importance of fur to Europeans?
2) Both Britain and France wanted control over lands near the Atlantic Ocean: Halifax, Louisbourg and Acadia.
3) Both Britain and France wanted to control all of the land in the Ohio Valley area, and newly discovered lands out near the Rocky Mountains.
Watch the Video
The Treaty of Utrecht was signed on April 11, 1713, in the Netherlands. This was a treaty of peace and friendship between France and Britain. This ended the War of Spanish Succession.
A treaty is a formal agreement between countries, often signed to end a war. A treaty may also define borders and identify the ownership of different pieces of land.
Treaty of Utrecht - Painting from 2017
The Treaty of Utrecht, by Turkish artist Semiramis Öner Mühüdaroglu, was painted to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the signing of the treaty. The artist included the 24 diplomats who signed the treaty; four women to represent the city of Utrecht, peace, justice, and art; and one child holding the world as a symbol of the future. What does that tell you about who was included in the creation of the treaty and who was not included?
Four Concessions
In the Treaty of Utrecht, France made four concessions to Britain.
1. France returned the Hudson Bay area lands and watershed to Britain.
2. France paid damages to the Hudson’s Bay Company for its losses during the war.
3. The French were no longer allowed to enter the Hudson Bay during their fur trading expeditions.
4. France gave up their land claims on Newfoundland and Acadia. France kept Île Royale (Cape Breton Island) and Île Saint Jean (Prince Edward Island) and the islands of St-Pierre and Miquelon near Newfoundland.
Comparing Maps
This map shows European territories in North America in 1713, before the Treaty of Utrecht. Analyze:
This map shows the different territories where various First Nations peoples settled. The dots on the map do not represent permanent settlements. Most First Nations peoples built homes that could be taken apart and rebuilt in a different location.