The Fur Trade in New France

History

The fur trade was the most important economic activity in New France. Coureurs de bois and voyageurs played key roles in acquiring furs from Indigenous peoples, while merchants and companies in France facilitated the trade. Attempts to regulate the trade through congés de traite were met with challenges.

Fur Trade New France Economy

10 Questions Medium Ages 10+ Dec 6, 2025

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About this Study Set

This study set covers History through 10 practice questions. The fur trade was the most important economic activity in New France. Coureurs de bois and voyageurs played key roles in acquiring furs from Indigenous peoples, while merchants and companies in France facilitated the trade. Attempts to regulate the trade through congés de traite were met with challenges. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 10 questions from the The Fur Trade in New France study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What was the most important economic activity in the colony of New France?

A Agriculture
B Fishing
C Fur Trade
D Mining

2 Which location became the busiest trading post due to its proximity to the Great Lakes fur basin?

A Quebec City
B Montreal (Ville-Marie)
C Trois-Rivières
D New Orleans

3 What were the 'coureurs des bois' known for?

A Farming the land
B Building settlements
C Trading furs independently
D Serving as government officials

4 What was a 'congé de traite'?

A A type of fur
B A farming technique
C A license to trade furs
D A type of canoe

5 What was one reason the authorities tried to regulate the fur trade?

A To protect the beaver population
B To encourage agriculture
C To increase taxes
D To prevent conflict with England

6 Who provided trade goods to merchants in New France?

A Voyageurs
B Indigenous peoples
C The French Company
D Coureurs de bois

7 What did the voyageurs exchange with the Indigenous people?

A Land
B Manufactured goods from France
C Gold
D Weapons

8 What did the Indigenous people trap?

A Fox
B Deer
C Beaver
D Rabbit

9 What did coureurs des bois risk when trading illegally after 1681?

A Higher taxes
B Imprisonment or a fine
C Exile to France
D Loss of trading license

10 Who engaged voyageurs to collect the furs?

A Indigenous People
B The King of France
C Merchants
D Farmers

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