Who were the first Europeans to explore Canada?
1 Answer
Although John Cabot and Jacques Cartier sailed the Atlantic coast and Vikings landed in Newfoundland much earlier, the French, particularly Samuel de Champlain explored inland.
Explanation:
De Champlain was the first leader of the French inland exploration. He established Quebec City and sent back to France new trade items, mostly furs. He explored west to Lake Huron ans south to Lake Champlain. At the French King's request, he administrated the Colony for many years. He made first contact with many First Nations tribes.
The Iroquois Confederacy was notable in that they became an enemy of the French early on. The Iroquois became an important player in the ongoing French and English Wars.
War with England, part of the greater Thirty Years War interrupted the progress of the Colony in 1629. Quebec was captured and De Champlain, with others, was taken to England as prisoners. It became recognized that the capture of Quebec had happened after the War had ended and New France was restored to the French. De Champlain returned but died in 1634.
