Question

Why did early explorers first come to Atlantic Canada?

a) To establish fur trading posts
b) To search for a Northwest Passage
c) To find gold and silver
d) To establish religious colonies

Answer 1

Early explorers came to Atlantic Canada mainly in search of a Northwest Passage for trade and to engage in the fur trade. While they also had intentions of finding gold and silver and spreading Christianity, their main focus shifted to exploiting the economic potentials of fur, land, and timber.

Step-by-step explanation:

Early explorers first came to Atlantic Canada primarily to search for a Northwest Passage and engage in fur trading. The lure of finding a direct all-water route to Asia for trade was a significant motivator for exploration. However, once the Europeans, particularly the French, began to settle, they focused on the lucrative fur trade. According to historical accounts, in 1627, the French government even granted a monopoly over the fur trade to the Company of New France, demonstrating the centrality of this economic activity in the region. Although there were hopes of finding gold and silver, what the explorers found upon reaching North America were resources such as land, timber, and fur, rather than the rich mineral deposits they had anticipated. Furthermore, there was an intent to spread Christianity amongst the indigenous populations, a secondary goal accompanying the economic ambitions.