The French King Rules New France
The French King Rules New France is a Grade 5 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 3: Settling the Colonies in North America. Students learn how in 1663 the French king made New France a royal province governed directly by a king-appointed governor, contrasting sharply with English colonial governance where colonists had more freedom to create local governments and elect their own leaders.
Key Concepts
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.
Common Questions
What was New France?
New France was a French colony in North America. In 1663, the French king made it a royal province governed directly by him through an appointed governor rather than by the colonists themselves.
How was French governance different from English colonial governance?
In New France, the king controlled everything through an appointed governor. English colonists, by contrast, often had more freedom to create their own local governments and elect their own leaders.
Why did the French king want tight control over New France?
The French king wanted to ensure his laws were enforced and his interests protected in the distant colony. By making it a royal province, he maintained direct authority over its governance.
What textbook covers New France for Grade 5?
This topic is covered in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 5, Chapter 3: Settling the Colonies in North America.