Lieutenant General of New France facts for kids
The Lieutenant General of New France was a very important job in the early days of New France. This person was like the King's main representative in the new lands across the ocean. They were in charge of the first French colonies in places like Acadia and Quebec. This role existed from 1598 until 1627. Before that, there was a similar job briefly from 1541 to 1543.
This important position was later replaced by the Governor of New France in 1627. It was the first "vice-regal" job in what would later become Canada. Think of it as an early version of today's Governor General of Canada, who represents King Charles III, Canada's King and Head of State.
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What Was a Lieutenant General?
A Lieutenant General was a high-ranking official, usually a military leader, chosen by the King of France. Their main job was to oversee the new French territories in North America. This meant they were responsible for exploring, setting up new settlements, and making sure the King's rules were followed. They had a lot of power and were meant to help France claim and develop its new lands.
Why Was This Role Created?
France wanted to expand its power and wealth by creating colonies in North America. These colonies, like New France, were important for trade, especially in furs, and for finding new resources. To manage these vast new lands, the King needed someone to be in charge. The Lieutenant General was that person, making sure everything ran smoothly and that France's interests were protected.
Did They Live in New France?
It might surprise you, but most of the Lieutenant Generals never actually visited New France! They usually stayed in France and managed things from there. Only two people who held this job, Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons and Jean-François Roberval, actually traveled to the new colonies. This shows how challenging it was to govern such distant lands in those times.
Important People in This Role
Here are the people who held the title of Lieutenant General of New France:
| Office Holder | Term | Appointed by |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-François de la Rocque de Roberval | 1541–1543 | Francis I |
| vacant | 1543–1598 | during reigns of Francis I, Henry II, Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III |
| Marquis de la Roche-Mesgouez | 1598–1603 | Henry III |
| Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Monts | 1603–1610 | Henry IV |
| Charles de Bourbon, comte de Soissons | 1611–1612 | Louis XIII (Marie de' Medici in regency) |
| Henry II, Prince of Condé | 1612–1616 | Louis XIII (Marie de' Medici in regency) |
| Pons de Lauzière, Marquis de Thémines de Cardillac | 1616–1620 | Louis XIII (Marie de' Medici in regency) |
| Henry II, Prince of Condé | 1620 | Louis XIII |
| Henri II de Montmorency | 1620–1625 | Louis XIII |
| Henri de Lévis, duc de Ventadour | 1625–1626 | Louis XIII |
| Cardinal Richelieu | 1626–1627 | Louis XIII |
The End of the Role
The job of Lieutenant General was eventually replaced by the Governor of New France in 1627. This change happened as New France grew and became more organized. The new role of Governor was often held by someone who actually lived in the colony, which helped to manage the growing settlements more directly. This was an important step in the development of Canada's early government.
