Peter Moogk

This book explodes several popular myths in Canadian history. The bold pioneers were really fearful indentured servants from France who signed up for only three years and expected to be paid a salary. Most had no intention of remaining in the colony after their service was completed. Rather than increasing their participation in the highest levels of the colonial government, the Canadiens were gradually displaced by newcomers from France. The settlers' religious beliefs were a blend of orthodox Catholicism and magic. Aboriginal people were disturbed by the physical appearance of the Europeans whereas the migrants from Europe had a favorable perception of the natives' physique, intelligence and appearance. These and other documented observations present a novel picture of life in France's North American colony, from Acadia to the Upper Mississippi.