History Browser

The names of troops raised by the French Ministry of Marine often confuse people. There were separate units of Compagnies franches de la Marine to serve aboard warships. These troops had nothing to do with the Compagnies franches found in Canada.

Help the ghost of Samuel de Champlain regain his memory of Canada`s national historic sites in an interactive game for younger children.

As an island state, Britain gave priority to its navy. The Admiralty (the appointed committee of admirals which made all strategic decisions) governed hundreds of ships worldwide. The Royal Navy used its bases in Canada to help control the Northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

This historic site celebrates the rich communications and military history of Signal Hill and sits amidst a spectacular view of St. John's and the sea.

Illustrations and descriptions of various British, French and American firearms used in North America from the 16th century till the end of the 19th century.

The French Ministry of the Navy maintained a small colonial army to protect French possessions in the West Indies and Guyana.

The rivers provided easy routes for military expeditions in New France, thanks to the birch bark canoe.

Motivated by the Fenian raids of 1866, Canada made a number of attempts to improve its Volunteer Militia. In particular, the volunteers were given training camps in which to learn their job alongside British regular troops. Modern weapons were also found to equip the troops.