Jacques Cartier: The Explorer Who Discovered Canada

Early Life and Explorations

Jacques Cartier was born in Saint-Malo, France, in 1491. He was a skilled navigator and explorer. In 1534, he was commissioned by King Francis I of France to explore the coast of North America and find a passage to Asia. Cartier's first expedition departed from Saint-Malo in April 1534. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and landed on the coast of Newfoundland. He explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and discovered the St. Lawrence River.

Second and Third Expeditions

Cartier returned to France in 1536 and reported his findings to King Francis I. The king was impressed and commissioned Cartier to lead a second expedition in 1535. On his second expedition, Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence River. He met with the Iroquois Indians and learned about the fur trade. He also claimed the land for France and named it "New France." Cartier returned to France in 1536 and reported his findings to King Francis I. The king was again impressed and commissioned Cartier to lead a third expedition in 1541. On his third expedition, Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence River again. He reached the site of present-day Montreal and built a fort there. He also explored the Ottawa River and the Saguenay River.

Legacy

Jacques Cartier was one of the most important explorers of North America. He discovered the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the St. Lawrence River, and the land that would become Canada. He also claimed the land for France and established the fur trade. Cartier's explorations had a profound impact on the history of North America. He opened up the continent to European exploration and settlement. He also paved the way for the development of the fur trade, which would become a major economic force in North America.

Timeline of Cartier's Expeditions

* 1534: Cartier's first expedition departs from Saint-Malo. * 1534: Cartier lands on the coast of Newfoundland. * 1534: Cartier explores the Gulf of St. Lawrence and discovers the St. Lawrence River. * 1535: Cartier returns to France and reports his findings to King Francis I. * 1535: Cartier leads a second expedition to North America. * 1535: Cartier sails up the St. Lawrence River and meets with the Iroquois Indians. * 1535: Cartier claims the land for France and names it "New France." * 1536: Cartier returns to France and reports his findings to King Francis I. * 1541: Cartier leads a third expedition to North America. * 1541: Cartier reaches the site of present-day Montreal and builds a fort there. * 1541: Cartier explores the Ottawa River and the Saguenay River.

Jacques Cartier