The Beginnings of New France 1524-1663

Introduction by Dean Oliver Volume II of the Canadian Centenary Series Now available as e-books for the first time and with the addition of a new introduction by Dean Oliver of the Museum of Canadian History, the Canadian Centenary Series is a comprehensive nineteen-volume history of the peoples and lands which form Canada. Although the series is designed as a unified whole so that no part of the story is left untold, each volume is complete in itself. French explorers first came to North America in 1524, but it was not until Cartier's discovery of the St. Lawrence River in 1535 that any attempts at exploration and settlement inland became possible. Even with that, Roberval found it necessary to abandon his attempt at colonization in 1543, and a veil of mystery fell once more over the great river of Canada. Subsequent expeditions were beset by difficulties and defeats arising from the climate, the hostility of the natives, and political and...