Québec History 6 - French and English Rivalry

Québec a Nation History (Part 6) King William's War - Première Guerre intercoloniale A coureur des bois (runner of the woods) was an independant individual who engaged in the fur trade. During the 17th century, the fur trade was very lucrative for New France. Many risked the journey west and north through hostile Iroquois territory from the settlements around Montreal to the "pays d'en haut", or upper country to trade with Native trappers. These coureurs des bois were not looked upon favourably by France authorities or royal officials. King William's War began after William of Orange was declared King of England. In August, 1,500 Iroquois attacked the New France settlement at Lachine before New France had even learned of the start of the war. Frontenac later attacked the Iroquois village of Onondaga. New France and its Indian allies then attacked English frontier settlements, most notably the Schenectady Massacre of 1690. The English captured Port Royal, Nova Scotia, the capital of Acadia, and then launched an expedition to seize the capital of New France, but were defeated in the Battle of Quebec. The French attacked the British-held coast, recapturing Port Royal.