The result of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was that Britain defeated France and gained control over New France. This marked a turning point in Canadian history, leading to British governance and influencing the language, culture, and legal systems in the region. The battle also set the stage for future relations between British settlers, French Canadians, and Indigenous peoples.

The Inuit are the Indigenous peoples who lived in the Arctic regions of Canada. They adapted to the cold, harsh environment by developing specialized tools, clothing, and shelters such as igloos. Their traditional lifestyle relied on hunting marine mammals, fishing, and using natural resources, and they have maintained rich cultural traditions that continue to play an important role in Canada today.

The first people to live in Canada were the Indigenous peoples, including the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. They have inhabited the land for thousands of years, developing rich cultures, traditions, and systems of governance. Indigenous communities are recognized for their historic contributions, knowledge of the land, and ongoing role in Canadian society, forming a foundational part of Canada’s heritage and identity.

The first permanent French settlement in North America was Québec City, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. It served as the administrative and economic center of New France, supporting the fur trade, exploration, and settlement in the region. Québec City became a key hub for French culture, governance, and relationships with Indigenous peoples, shaping the early history of Canada.

The main economic activity of early New France was the fur trade. French settlers traded beaver pelts and other furs with Indigenous peoples in exchange for goods such as tools, weapons, and clothing. This trade was crucial to the colony’s economic survival and growth, encouraging exploration, settlement, and the development of relationships between Europeans and Indigenous communities.

The Huron-Wendat alliance was a key partnership between the Huron-Wendat peoples and French settlers in New France. This alliance facilitated the fur trade, as the Huron-Wendat acted as traders and guides, helping the French access furs from the interior. The relationship also involved military and diplomatic cooperation, strengthening the French presence in North America.

The Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution (1775–1783). After the war, many fled to British North America (Canada) to escape persecution and resettled in regions such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario, significantly influencing the population, culture, and development of early Canada.

Indigenous peoples in Canada relied on the natural environment and local resources for their food, clothing, and tools. They used plants, animals, water, and minerals to sustain their communities, creating innovative tools, shelters, and garments from what the land provided. This deep connection to nature allowed them to live sustainably, adapt to their surroundings, and develop rich cultural traditions.

After 1776, many Loyalists moved to Canada because they wanted to remain under British rule following the American Revolution. Fearing persecution in the newly independent United States, they settled in British North America (including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario), helping to shape the political, social, and cultural development of these regions.

In the 1600s and 1700s, the French and British fought mainly over control of North America. Both nations wanted to expand their territories, access natural resources like fur, and dominate trade routes. These conflicts, including battles such as the Plains of Abraham, ultimately determined which European power would govern different parts of Canada, shaping its early political and cultural landscape.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established British authority over former French territories in North America after the Seven Years’ War. It also recognized Indigenous land rights, setting out guidelines for purchases and treaties with First Nations. This proclamation became a foundational document for Indigenous relations and land agreements in Canada.

In 1534, Jacques Cartier became the European explorer to claim what is now Canada for France. He explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and established contact with Indigenous peoples, mapping the region for future French settlements. Cartier’s voyages laid the foundation for New France, shaping the early history and cultural ties between France and Canada.

European explorers came to North America primarily to discover trade routes, claim territory, and access valuable natural resources such as furs, fish, and timber. These goals were driven by economic, political, and strategic interests, and they shaped the patterns of exploration, settlement, and interaction with Indigenous peoples in what would become Canada.

Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City in 1608, establishing the first permanent French settlement in North America. Known as the "Father of New France," Champlain played a key role in exploration, mapping, and building alliances with Indigenous peoples, helping to lay the foundations for the growth and development of the colony.

The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the Seven Years’ War between Britain and France. Under this treaty, France ceded New France to Britain, transferring control of its Canadian territories. This treaty significantly shaped the political future of Canada, establishing British rule while allowing French language, culture, and legal traditions to continue in the colony.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place in 1759 near Quebec City. This pivotal battle was part of the Seven Years’ War between Britain and France, and it resulted in a British victory that ultimately led to British control of New France. The battle significantly shaped the future of Canada, influencing its political, cultural, and linguistic landscape.

France formally surrendered New France to Britain in 1763 through the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years’ War. This treaty transferred control of French territories in Canada to Britain, marking the beginning of British rule in the region. Despite the change in government, French language, culture, and legal traditions continued to influence Canadian society.

After the British victory in 1763 and the signing of the Treaty of Paris, French settlers in New France became British subjects. They were allowed to retain their language, religion, and legal traditions, but they were now under British political authority, marking a major shift in governance and cultural dynamics in Canada.

French settlers along the St. Lawrence River were called habitants. They were primarily farmers who cleared land, grew crops, and built communities along the river. The habitants played a key role in establishing permanent settlements, supporting the fur trade, and shaping the social and cultural foundations of New France.

The first European known to land in what is now Canada was John Cabot in 1497. Sailing under the English flag, Cabot explored the Atlantic coast of North America, claiming land for England. His voyage marked the beginning of European exploration and eventual settlement in Canada, paving the way for later explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain.