Learn on PengiCalifornia myWorld Interactive, Grade 5Chapter 3: Settling the Colonies in North America

Lesson 4: The French and Dutch in North America

In this Grade 5 lesson from California myWorld Interactive Chapter 3, students learn about the establishment of French and Dutch colonies in North America, including the search for the Northwest Passage and the development of the fur trade. Key figures such as Giovanni da Verrazano, Jacques Cartier, and Samuel de Champlain are examined, along with vocabulary terms like monopoly and royal province. Students also explore how conflicts between the Iroquois, Huron, French, and English shaped the growth of New France.

Section 1

France and the Netherlands Search for a Route to Asia

Key Idea

In the 1500s and 1600s, European nations sought a direct water route to Asia to profit from its valuable trade in spices and silks. This led to a search for the Northwest Passage, a hoped-for sea lane through or around North America that would serve as a shortcut to the Pacific Ocean.

The quest for this passage motivated both France and the Netherlands to sponsor expeditions to explore the North American continent. French explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, and Dutch-hired explorers like Henry Hudson, navigated the major rivers and bays of the northeastern coast, hoping one would lead to Asia.

Section 2

The French Build New France on the Fur Trade

Key Idea

The French built their colony around the fur trade. They formed partnerships with American Indian groups like the Huron, trading European goods for valuable beaver pelts. This trade gave their allies new power and wealth.

This new competition for beavers upset the balance of power. The Iroquois Confederacy, who traded with the Dutch and English, wanted to control the fur trade for themselves. To get more beaver pelts, they needed to expand into lands controlled by other tribes.

Section 3

The French King Rules New France

Key Idea

The French king wanted to keep tight control over New France. In 1663, he made it a royal province. This meant the colony was ruled directly by the king and his officials, not by the colonists themselves.

The king sent a governor to enforce his laws and make all major decisions. This style of governance was very different from the English colonies. English colonists often had more freedom to create their own local governments and elect their own leaders.

Section 4

The Dutch Establish New Netherland

Key Idea

The Dutch came to North America to create a colony based on the fur trade. They established New Netherland (1624) along the Hudson River and created a major trading post called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island one year later.

The colony quickly became very diverse. People from many different European nations, as well as enslaved and free Africans, came to live there. This mix of cultures made New Netherland different from many other early colonies.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

France and the Netherlands Search for a Route to Asia

Key Idea

In the 1500s and 1600s, European nations sought a direct water route to Asia to profit from its valuable trade in spices and silks. This led to a search for the Northwest Passage, a hoped-for sea lane through or around North America that would serve as a shortcut to the Pacific Ocean.

The quest for this passage motivated both France and the Netherlands to sponsor expeditions to explore the North American continent. French explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, and Dutch-hired explorers like Henry Hudson, navigated the major rivers and bays of the northeastern coast, hoping one would lead to Asia.

Section 2

The French Build New France on the Fur Trade

Key Idea

The French built their colony around the fur trade. They formed partnerships with American Indian groups like the Huron, trading European goods for valuable beaver pelts. This trade gave their allies new power and wealth.

This new competition for beavers upset the balance of power. The Iroquois Confederacy, who traded with the Dutch and English, wanted to control the fur trade for themselves. To get more beaver pelts, they needed to expand into lands controlled by other tribes.

Section 3

The French King Rules New France

Key Idea

The French king wanted to keep tight control over New France. In 1663, he made it a royal province. This meant the colony was ruled directly by the king and his officials, not by the colonists themselves.

The king sent a governor to enforce his laws and make all major decisions. This style of governance was very different from the English colonies. English colonists often had more freedom to create their own local governments and elect their own leaders.

Section 4

The Dutch Establish New Netherland

Key Idea

The Dutch came to North America to create a colony based on the fur trade. They established New Netherland (1624) along the Hudson River and created a major trading post called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island one year later.

The colony quickly became very diverse. People from many different European nations, as well as enslaved and free Africans, came to live there. This mix of cultures made New Netherland different from many other early colonies.