France and England in North America, Part I: Pioneers of France in the New World

"France and England in North America, Part I: Pioneers of France in the New World" by Francis Parkman is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work delves into the early attempts of French pioneers to establish their presence in North America, exploring the conflicts between colonists, indigenous peoples, and competing European powers. It examines the dynamics of feudalism and monarchy in contrast to the emerging ideals of liberty and individualism represented by the burgeoning English colonies. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of New France, beginning with the tragedy of the Huguenots in Florida. Parkman introduces readers to key figures and events of early colonization, highlighting the fervent ambitions of French explorers and settlers who sought to conquer and civilize the New World. We learn of Juan Ponce de Leon's quest for the fabled Fountain of Youth, Hernando de Soto's explorations, and the desperate attempts to colonize Florida amidst conflict with indigenous tribes. The narrative outlines the competition between Spain and France, and portrays the early colonists' struggles against the harsh and untamed wilderness, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions that will follow in the text. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Francis Parkman Jr. was an American historian, best known as author of The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life and his monumental seven-volume France and England in North America. These works are still valued as historical sources and as literature. He was also a leading horticulturist, briefly a professor of horticulture at Harvard University and author of several books on the topic. Parkman wrote essays opposed to legal voting for women that continued to circulate long after his death. Parkman was a trustee of the Boston Athenæum from 1858 until his death in 1893.