Religion in New France How large was its influence?

1. Religion in New France How large was its influence? Wooh! Jesus and what-not

2. Religion in New France • Roman Catholic was only religion of providence. (only allowed to go if Catholic) • Colonization occurs just after the Edict of Nantes was revoked and Catholicism power was returned to France • At this time in history religion still plays a major part in all aspects of French and New French society • Many of the architecture in Quebec at the time is religious in nature • A main objective of France’s colonization is to spread religion in the new world • Large Jesuit and Missionary presence in New France

3. Religion in New French society Social impact Political impact Control the communication with aboriginal tribes in non-trade matters. Mostly through Missionaries Religion like in France dictated cultural events such as gatherings, festivals and pastimes Also Influenced greatly the Hierarchal, accepting nature of New France at the time through church structure and standard “Opiate of the Masses” operation The Catholic Church in New France at one time was above the basically above the state, this changed but the church would always play a large role in the administration of new France Played a part in dictating exploration, objectives and expansion through Communication with France. Could often acquire resources from France Hospitals schools and other public institutions were under the care of the Catholic presence in New France Dictated Intermarriage Policies Standard 10% tax goes to church (tithes)

4. Bishop Laval • Principle Catholic clergyman for French colony • Ambitious political figure in the church • Valued his power as religious leader of new France. Once refused the building of a hospital because it was not staffed by proponents • Owned Slaves including aboriginal slaves • Believed and a Ultramontane structure in New France and in many ways he was successful • Fought against liquor trade with the aboriginals. • Used threat of excommunication to enforce these policies • Louis the 14th stated that his authority should apply everywhere in new France

5. Missionaries • Jesuits were the main male Missionary group to come to new France. • Wanted Aboriginals to move to their farming communities so conversion was easier (change in lifestyle) • When this failed Jesuits went to live with Native peoples • Herons didn’t want Jesuits but pressured by French trading partners • The Jesuits attempt to Christianize the aboriginal people coincided with the French’s belief that aboriginal people were uncivilized • As a result Jesuits push more then only religious assimilation but also cultural (clothing) (lifestyle) • Attempts to convert Huron largely failed due to the incompatibility between Catholicism and their way of life. (ex. nature is not evil when you live off the land) • The Ursulines nuns also played a large roll in the Colony of New France • They provided education for both French and aboriginal girls. • Their attempts at educating aboriginals were actually somewhat successful unlike Jesuits • Marie de l'Incarnation the founder of the convent wrote the first dictionary on Aboriginal language • Idea of one spiritual path was strange to Huron • Saw hypocrisy in French behavior and religious beliefs

6. History of Church in New France during post-colonization period • 1608-1663 Theocratic Period • The Church took the roll of the State in Many Cases mostly due to the absence of strong government organization • Created first colonies as “Pillars of Christian civilization” • Charged with Native relations • Social institutions under their direction. • 1663-1760 Gallican period • Gallican means the church was similar to a state institution (monarch over Pope) • Government under control of French State • Social institutions still church responsibility • Awarded support by the state • Supported financially by State • Still dictated spiritual ethical beliefs as well as a large influence on culture • 1760-1791 Post-Invasion • Obviously lost all power over State • Lost funding of State • Jesuit order banned • Church still important to French Canadian settlers. • To stay in the British’s good books and therefore be allowed more privileges the church often influenced colonists to support British agendas. Invaded by Brits

7. Conclusion Religion was a major factor determining culture and society in New France!