Culture Under the French Regime

1608-1760

When French immigrants came to settle in the St. Lawrence Valley, they imported their practices, customs, and habits to the colony. However, once established, they did not hesitate to change some of their customs and practices.

• Why did the newcomers change their customs and practices?

• What would these changes lead to?

How did the colonists’ spirit of adaptation influence cultural

expression in the colony?• They drew inspiration from

French practices and Aboriginal techniques

• Had to consider the territory and climate they now inhabited

• Transformed their material culture by adapting to their environment

• The emergence of a Quebecois identity

Maison Saint Gabriel 1660

Refer to Memory Site Sault-au-recollet p. 21

Describe the cultural concept of New France depicted in this image.

The Catholic Church in New France

• What tasks did representatives of the Catholic Church devote themselves to in the 17th century?

• By what means did the Catholic clergy set about converting Aboriginal peoples? HOW?

The Catholic Church: Keeping watch over the colonists

• By what means did the Church control the colonists?

• What functions did parishes have in the lives of the colonists?

• How did Catholicism influence cultural expression in the colony?

In Our Day: Fleur-de-lis

• Why is the fleur-de-lis symbol still used in Quebec today?

Absolutism

• A political ideology according to which the ruler was said to receive his or her power directly from God and was God’s representative on earth.

Summary Question:

What influence did absolutism have on cultural expression?