HISB40H3 Lecture : Lecture Notes Sept 26.docx
Document Summary
Key terms: military-aristocratic ethos, colbert, intendant, plaisance, seigniorial system, tithe, sovereign council, seminaries, ursuline order of nuns, subsistence, company of 100, habitants, militia captains, cultural aversion, directives, petit-bourgeoisie, grande-bourgeosie, While there was a distinct social structure, these classes were not that distant from each other in terms of wealth and status. New france dominated by 2 class: small urban elite, and farmers. Simple social structure was quite fluid or loose except for the highest reaches of the high class. The church in new france: powerful within limits. Played a key role in many of life"s central rituals: earth, life, marriage. Various catholic orders: jesuits, ursuline nuns ran the schools, provided a basic education, not enough to avoid the 90% of literacy rate. Only upper class sent their kids to medical school, etc. Social services: established charities for the poor, elderly, and disable, and ran hospitals, and orphanages, Had a powerful influence on the ideas and behaviour of french canadians.