Voyages to Canada

Jacques Cartier · 1534 CE – 1542 CE · Earth

Find a western passage and claim new land for France.

Historical context

France entered the scramble for the Americas late, hoping to find precious metals and a passage to Asia. Cartier's voyages revealed instead a great river and a fertile valley claimed for the crown.

The voyage, step by step

1. From Saint-Malo

   1534 CE

   Cartier sails west for France in search of a passage to Asia and new lands.

2. Newfoundland

   1534 CE

   He explores the Gulf of St Lawrence and meets Mi'kmaq and Iroquoian peoples.

3. Stadacona

   1535 CE

   He reaches the village of Stadacona, the site of future Quebec.

4. Hochelaga

   1535 CE

   He climbs a hill he names Mont Royal above the village of Hochelaga.

Outcome

Explored the St Lawrence as far as Hochelaga.

Jacques Cartier

French navigator who explored the St Lawrence River and laid the basis for French claims in North America.

Read on Wikipedia

Sources

• Jacques Cartier — Wikipedia

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