Jacques Cartier and New France

What happened

In 1534 the French navigator Jacques Cartier crossed the Atlantic and explored the Gulf of St Lawrence, and on later voyages sailed up the St Lawrence River deep into North America, claiming the land for France.

Why it matters

Cartier's voyages laid the basis for France's claims in North America — the beginnings of New France and, eventually, French Canada.

Sources

• The Mariners' Museum — Ages of Exploration. Jacques Cartier · Reputable source