History Browser

A slide show presentation of Native American dress from the 16th to mid-18th century.

These French soldiers wear a style of clothing common through much of Western Europe in the early seventeenth century. Note the musket rest carried by the man at left, and the pike carried by the man in the background. Mid-19th century engraving after a drawing by Alfred de Marbot.

This history on our Aboriginal Peoples and their contribution to Canada’s rich military heritage is the latest in a series of books prepared by the Director of History and Heritage commemorating especial military experience. Authors : P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Ph.D., R. Scott Sheffield, Ph.D., John Moses, Maxime Gohier

The soldiers accompanying early expeditions worked for private businesses, not for the state. Many were veterans of European wars, or gentlemen seeking land or gold.

Upon entering, we see a series of self-contained working and living areas surrounding an interior courtyard that has a well in the centre. The steep pitched roofs are typical of the Norman architecture of the period.

Soldiers were organized into companies of about 50. Their leader, the company captain, was responsible for recruiting, training and disciplining his men.

In 1603, a French gentleman, Pierre Dugua de Mons, received a fur trade monopoly for a large area between the 40th and 45th parallel in northeastern North America on condition he establish a colony there.

The private companies that purchased monopolies in New France hired their own soldiers. These men were few in number, but very important in the administration of the colony.

Firearms used by European soldiers improved; they became lighter, stronger and faster firing. As a result, the wearing of armour almost disappeared on the battlefield.