First Contact:
In 1534, Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, set sail searching for the Northwest Passage. He sighted Newfoundland and sailed to what is now Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Upon reaching the Gaspe Peninsula, Cartier claimed the territory for France. While exploring, he met the Native Iroquois, kidnapped the two sons of the Iroquois chief, and returned home. Using the kidnapped sons as a guide, Cartier returned a year later to explore the St. Lawrence river, arriving at the community of Stadacona (near present-day Quebec). He then sailed further up the river to a larger town called “Hochelaga”(where Montreal stands). Cartier’s hopes to reach China from the St. Lawrence river decreased thus, he planned to stay at Stadacona for the winter. Because of this forceful stay, friction between the French and Iroquois started to build. Twenty-five sailors died from scurvy. When the weather permitted, Cartier returned back to France along with ten kidnapped Iroquois, whom all died within six years.
Believed that it would lead to wealth and territory, two journeys were made back to Canada, which both failed. However, the French continued to build forts near the Iroquois town, which caused suspicion to grow among the Iroquois. In 1542, believed to be “diamonds and gold”, worthless quartz were loaded onto Cartier’s ship. Disobeying orders, Cartier performed treachery upon a fellow explorer. Disgusted, the Iroquois refused to trade food and threatened war. The French effort to colonize Canada had failed for the time being.
Believed that it would lead to wealth and territory, two journeys were made back to Canada, which both failed. However, the French continued to build forts near the Iroquois town, which caused suspicion to grow among the Iroquois. In 1542, believed to be “diamonds and gold”, worthless quartz were loaded onto Cartier’s ship. Disobeying orders, Cartier performed treachery upon a fellow explorer. Disgusted, the Iroquois refused to trade food and threatened war. The French effort to colonize Canada had failed for the time being.