Compare and contrast French and British exploration in North America.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between French and British exploration in North America. Candidates may state that France joined the race to explore the New World looking for colonial outposts to expand the trade networks. On the other hand, British exploration was commissioned in 1497 by Henry VII to John Cabot, who explored Maine and Nova Scotia, and opened for British fishermen the waters off the east coast. Candidates may compare and contrast the relations established with the indigenous peoples. France fostered good relationships with Hurons, Algonquians and native hunters since it was essential for a successful trade. In contrast, Sir Walter Raleigh’s attempts to establish a colony at Roanoke and have good relations with Croatans failed. Candidates may also compare and contrast the religious motives behind the exploration considering that the competition between Catholicism and Protestantism fuelled French and British colonization. Candidates may also state that, unlike France, British colonization efforts in the 1500s were devoted to the colonization of Ireland, and also against Spain. Both similarities and differences must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal number of each.

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