HIST260 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Sled, Moral Economy, Bourgeoisie
Document Summary
Social groups in new france - egalitarian society. Nobility - almost no nobles in new france in france you could buy nobility, in. Only way to become a noble was through military service or marriage. Almost every family sent sons to military school, and married off daughters in hopes to gain nobility. No landed nobility in new france ( a very small strata of society) The bourgeoisie (middle class) - businessmen/fur traders/seigneuries did not hold very much power. Some people have the ability to make more money but they still did not have any higher status legally. Much more egalitarian society in new france than france - distinction in rank not very clear. Status demonstrated by pretending to have status in society - very generous, dress well in church, best racehorses, best sleigh. Use money in display of worth - very self conscious society money is spent on display of wealth rather than investment.
