Pictures

A portrait of myself.

The area in which I explored in the New World.

Source: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/phillie/SocialStudies/Atlantic/jacques_cartier.htm

Economy

             Major economic changes are taking place in the midst of a commercial revolution. Europe is slowly transcending into a world market and economy. There is talk of inflation as new metals are being introduced into Europe. However, I believe the precious metals such as gold and silver will not be the cause of the upcoming inflation. In fact, the growing population and the increase in demand for land and food will probably play a major role in the increase of prices. Also, European trade is prospering and flourishing very well, especially in overseas trade. Right now, the Atlantic seaboard is a major player in trade, linking important central European trading areas together. Commercial capitalism is growing very rapidly with the increase and prosperity of trade. Despite the economic emphasis on trade, Europe is still dependant on an agricultural system with an emphasis on taxes and fees on the peasants.

             Also, a new set of economic principles have arisen, which go by the name of mercantilism. Although I am far from being an expert on economic matters, it seems to mercantilists that a nation’s wealth depends on its supply of gold and silver. I conclude that this was a major factor in my trip to Canada. Mercantilism also believes that the state should intervene in the economy for the good of the nation.

             Again on the topic of overseas trade, overseas expansion is very popular right now among the European states. We are truly becoming a world economy and interlocking with other continents in our trade and settlements.

Jacques Cartier

New Lands

             The number of new lands being discovered increase each year that I am living. It astounds me how the world never seems to end. For example, the Portuguese began their slave trade with their exploration of the African coast. Asia is also a highly popular destination as it contains the valuable and sought-after spice islands. In the mainland, lands I have only recently heard of are said to be exotic and foreign in their customs, languages, and countenances. Some of these lands are China, Vietnam, and Japan. My own country of France is struggling to make a name in trade, especially in India, but is still unsuccessful as the British and the Dutch are overpowering trade. 

             The Americas are also becoming increasingly popular with the establishment of Spain and Portuguese empires. I only wish that my country will follow suit and create a colony in Canada after my own name. There is still hope as I have heard of interested parties in my own country. Concerning Spain and Portugal once again, I have heard news that the Spanish are currently maintaining an large and prosperous empire in South America along with Portugal maintaining its own in Brazil. My own country has its own colonial empires which include large areas of the West Indies, where we have created “sugar factories.” The British are also making a name for themselves in the Americas with their British North America. It amazes and saddens me to see that they are so ahead of France. 

Jacques Cartier

Motives for Exploring

After the darkness of the Middle Ages came a time of exploration, the period in which I live in now. Many explorers were being tempted into new, mysterious, far-off lands by promises of treasures, religious satisfaction, and the idea of new majestic lands. The idea that there are lands outside Europe attracts many curious and adventurous explorers as they seek to gain more knowledge of other cultures and peoples. One can learn much from the indigenous as I did in my time in Canada. Another motive is based on economy. Trade is a large factor in economic motives as many European countries are searching for trade passages to the spice islands. Also, religious plays a large part in the enticement of explorers. Both conquistadors and explorers wish to play the role of missionary to the natives.

             I myself was brought to Canada for economic motives. Francis I was so kind as to commission my journey to the New World. However, he too wanted me to discover a trade passage to the markets of Asia and to find precious treasures in the New World. However, I was unsuccessful in my attempt although I found treasure metaphorically as the lands were fertile and rich. My regret is that I was unable to form a settlement in Canada and I only hope that someone else will succeed in that attempt. Another regret stems from my journey to Canada as the phrase "faux comme les diamants du Canada” which means as false as Canadian diamonds has resulted from my exploration. My crew and I had discovered some minerals which we had thought to be precious gems, only turning out to be quartz crystals and iron pyrites.

Jacques Cartier

Source: Spielvogel

Treatment of the Natives

I am living in a time of the conquering of new lands. However, with the conquering of new lands comes the conquering of the indigenous peoples on those lands. I have heard of once great civilizations living in the New World, before the Spaniards had set foot on them. Most importantly, I have heard of the Aztecs, who were once a magnificent civilization but were reduced to nothing by one Hernan Cortes. It is quite a shame that we Europeans have to resort to such brutal massacring of the natives in order to gain land. Although I myself have not been as cordial to the Indians, the Spanish have been cruel to them through their encomienda system and the mass conquer of the Aztecs. Another instance of brutality toward the natives was the conquering of the Incas by Francisco Pizarro. The Spaniards are not the only group of people to blame. The Portuguese introduced slave trafficking along the African coast. I have heard of the mass decrease in population of the Africans and the destruction between their communities.

             The natives are a genial and welcoming group of people. On my first trip in the New World, I met the Indian tribe of the Iroquois, acquainting myself with their Chief, Donnacona. They were very generous and eager to trade with us. However, relations quickly became strained when the natives became aware of my intent marking on their land and also my kidnappy of Donnacona’s two sons. On my other trips back to Canada, the Indians, especially the ones of other tribes and villages, were less than cordial. During the winter, they even became hostile, and on one occasion, thirty-five of my settlers were killed.

Jacques Cartier

Source: http://www.chroniclesofamerica.com/french/jacques_cartier_voyages.htm

My Experience in the New World

 I am inclined to believe that Canada is the land God gave to Cain.

An Intro

Dear Journal:

             I am somewhat of a bitter man as of now. My voyages have been considered failures. Although I am no Christopher Columbus, I feel as if I have made a lasting contribution to Europe. However, no countries seem to understand the worth of what I have discovered because there is no gold or any settlements to be built on the land. But before I touch on that subject, I shall introduce myself. I am Jacques Cartier, of French origin. My whole life has been a life of one living by the sea. I have been much exposed to subjects regarding seafaring, one of them being navigation, a field I have much expertise in. As a child, I’ve lived next to the water, having been born in the French seaport town of Saint-Malo. I hold much sympathy and affection for my hometown, having been regarded as an influential figure there. What I appreciate most is that, even though most of Europe has no care for my discovery, my name has been associated with that of the ‘Discover of Canada’ in my hometown of Saint-Malo. Saint-Malo is located in the province of Brittany, near the English Channel. It is well-known for producing hardy and able seamen, myself being one of them. Concerning my family, I was born in the year 1491 to Jean Cartier and Guillemette Baudoin. I am the second child of five. Myself, I married Marie Katherine des Granches in 1519. Although she was of a higher status than me, as her father is the Chevalier Honore des Granches, high constable of Saint-Malo, my renown in the town allowed me to marry her. Unfortunately, our marriage has bore no children. 
             Concerning the topic of my field, I have studied navigation under the Piensee of Dieppe and have embarked on voyages across the Atlantic and even to Brazil. I am the pilot of the king of France and also the protégé of the high admiral of France, a position of great rank and honor. The journey I am most well known for is my voyage to the New World, where I discovered the lands we call Canada. The voyage became available to me when I was approached by King Francis I in 1534 to discover a western passage to Asia. However, instead I reached Newfoundland and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. I then claimed the Gaspé Peninsula for France. I returned in two other separate trips, making friends with the native Indians, who are a generous people. When I returned from my first venture into Canada, I was sure that I reached an Asian coast. Although I was not successful in that goal, I believe I have made quite a significant impact with my discovery of Canda. Even though no gold or treasure was discovered, it is now evident that the New World contains fertile lands and mineral wealth. Even though I am somewhat regretful and bitter, I am content to spend the rest of my life in Saint-Malo, with my own realization of the importance of my accomplishments. I believe that my role as the ‘Discover of Canada’ will inspire others to embark on a quest that will allow the true worth of Canada to become evident. 

Jacques Cartier

Thanks to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Cartier and http://www.canadiangenealogy.net/chronicles/early_life.htm