VOYAGES TO CANADA (VOYAGES AU CANADA)

By the early 16th century French sailors had begun traveling to America. The first major voyage to North America took place in 1524 by Giovanni de Verrazzano, who was looking for a direct sea route to Cathay, the land of silk. Instead of Cathay, he discovered an unknown new land. After Verrazzano, Jacques Cartier sets out on orders from Francis I to find a passage to Cathay and discover islands rich in gold. These objectives were never completed, but on July 24, 1534, Cartier annexed Canada to France. In 1535, Cartier set out on his second journey, now in search of the mythical Kingdom of Saguenay. His plans were not realized this time either, but he went even further north, discovering new lands. The third voyage’s aim, in 1541, was to put into effect the colonial doctrine, according to which Canada had to be colonized by the French in order to come under their possession. And so, with Cartier as commander-in-chief, Jean-François de la Rocque, Sieur de Roberval, became admiral and first governor of Canada. Apart from the historical significance of the events at the dawn of colonialism, there is always the romantic enthusiasm of the traveler, who innocently sees – and recounts – the habits of new peoples, unknown animals and plants and the unprecedentedly rich nature of North America.