|
Sponsored Links
The seigneurial system of New France was the semi-feudal system of land distribution used in the colonies of New France.[1] The seigneurial system was introduced to New France in 1627 by Cardinal Richelieu. Under this system, the lands were arranged in long, narrow strips, called seigneuries,along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. Each piece of land belonged to the king of France and was maintained by the landlord, or seigneur. A seigneur in New France was usually ruled by King Louis XIV. The seigneur divided the land further among his tenants, known as censitaires or habitants, who cleared the land, built houses and other buildings, and farmed the land. The habitants paid taxes to the seigneur (the cens et rentes, or "cens and rents"), and were usually required to work for their seigneur for three days per year, often building roads (the onerous corvée). Unlike the French feudalism from which it was derived, the lord of the manor was not granted the "haut" or "bas" jurisdiction to impose fines and penalties as in Europe; those powers were given to the Intendant of New France, a commissioner sent by the King.
|
Seigneurial System Of New France Subcategories
Seigneurial System Of New France Articles
|
|
