New France Society

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New France 's Society via France One could say that New France was just the same as France but, they would be disregarding the extensive changes that living on the frontier and being away from royal authority can cause. Living in severe and sometimes inhospitable areas changed the outlook of the New France society . They had natives to be concerned about, weather changes to prepare for, different administrations, and less regulations from the Crown. On top of all these factors the colonies gave way for new and innovative thinkers to advance and take advantage of the colonies in their own ways. Even though it heavily relied on France for supplies and support, New France formed its own individualistic society through its trade, politics, and …show more content…

The most prominent difference between France and New France 's politics was that New France 's administration was put into office based on merit and influence meanwhile French officials would buy their way into administrative positions . Both ways were easily corruptible but New France 's administrative policies appeared to give a slightly better chance for those of the middle class to get in to politics. The inevitable corruption through this system in New France did happen and led to many people using their position to further their wealth at the expense of the colony as seen by Francois Bigot who together with twenty two other officials carved their way to millionaires through corrupt politics . One of the most ground breaking differences from France was the fact that women were allowed to hold land and even trade assets in New France . In some cases women were even given a percentage of her husband 's assets when he died even if he had sons . This open thinking allowed great women like -- to support their family without a man and by their own wits . The seigniorial system was a key factor in forming New France 's society as well. The system did create a sense of community through, everyone once again being connected to a higher power, the seigneur. The one year gap of communication between France and New France allowed this seigniorial system and new politics to flourish . The system also formed a large hole in the community for it promoted self sufficiency through …show more content…

As one can see New France 's society was just as diverse and unique as any other. France made many attempts to contain and morph New France into its image but being on the frontier made changes to what was possible for people. New France started to realize that it was needed by France and was able to hold that over them to bend the laws and regulations of France . People started realizing that the French wanted and to a point needed the furs and were willing to break its morals and even its rivalries to obtain them. Traders in New France did the unheard of and traded with England and traded unwarranted items with the natives because they were more focused on their own benefit over that of Frances, showing the individualized society that was slowly forming from the depths of a state driven society. France, knowing that its current system could not work due to the year delay for instructions to reach New France implemented a different administration and eased the burden of the seigniorial system to maintain control . All the while the churches transformation of native and European teaching allowed for so many new diplomatic opportunities. Freedom, a new land, distant rulers, a domineering yet failing church, corrupt officials, new education, freedom to trade, and native society transformed into what we now