Ken LaPlante

The beginnings.........

In 1672, life for the Filles du Roi (King's Daughters) and French army men in New France was marked by challenges, opportunities, and significant ​contributions to the colony's development.

Filles du Roi

The Filles du Roi were young women, mostly orphans, sent by King Louis XIV to New France to help populate the colony. Here is a look into their ​lives:

1. **Journey and Arrival**: The voyage across the Atlantic was arduous, often lasting several months. Upon arrival, the women were received by ​religious orders and placed in homes until they found husbands.

2. **Marriage and Family Life**: The primary purpose of their immigration was to marry and start families. They often married quickly after arriving, ​as there was a significant gender imbalance with far more men than women in the colony. The women were given a dowry by the king, which ​made them more attractive prospects.

3. **Domestic Life**: Life was tough, with many responsibilities such as farming, raising children, and managing the household. They had to adapt ​to the harsh climate and often isolated living conditions.

4. **Community Integration**: Over time, these women became integral to the social and economic fabric of New France. They were crucial in ​establishing family units and contributing to the growth and stability of the colony.

French Army Men

French soldiers in New France in 1672 faced a different set of challenges and experiences:

1. **Military Duties**: The soldiers were primarily responsible for defending the colony against threats from Indigenous groups and rival European ​powers, particularly the British. They manned forts, patrolled borders, and engaged in skirmishes.

2. **Living Conditions**: Living conditions for soldiers varied. They were stationed in forts, which could be remote and uncomfortable. The harsh ​winters posed significant difficulties, requiring strong physical endurance and adaptability.

3. **Relationships with Indigenous Peoples**: Interaction with Indigenous groups was complex. While there were conflicts, there were also ​alliances and trade relationships. Soldiers sometimes married Indigenous women, which helped forge alliances and integrate cultures.

4. **Economic Activities**: Outside their military duties, soldiers often engaged in economic activities such as fur trading and farming to ​supplement their incomes and provisions.

5. **Community Involvement**: Many soldiers eventually settled in the colony, marrying local women (including the Filles du Roi) and starting ​families. They contributed to the colony's defense and economic development, becoming part of the burgeoning settler community.

Overall Life in New France

Life in New France in 1672 was characterized by:

- **Harsh Environment**: The climate was severe, with long, cold winters and short growing seasons, necessitating resilience and adaptability.

- **Self-Sufficiency**: Colonists had to be largely self-sufficient, growing their food, making their clothes, and constructing their homes.

- **Community Support**: There was a strong sense of community and interdependence among settlers. Mutual aid was crucial for survival and ​prosperity.

- **Economic Activities**: Fur trading was the main economic activity, alongside agriculture and fishing. The economy was relatively ​underdeveloped, and goods were often scarce.

The lives of the Filles du Roi and French army men in New France were pivotal in shaping the early development of the colony, despite the ​numerous hardships they faced. Their efforts laid the foundation for the future growth and stability of what would eventually become part of ​modern Canada.