Colonial history of Canada

Canada’s colonial history began with Indigenous peoples inhabiting the land for thousands of years. European exploration started in the late 15th century, with French and British explorers establishing colonies in the 17th century. France initially controlled New France, while Britain gradually expanded its territory, eventually overtaking French holdings after the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) and the Treaty of Paris (1763). These colonies developed through fur trading, settlement, and conflicts, shaping Canada's diverse cultural heritage. Over time, colonies moved toward self-governance, culminating in Confederation in 1867, when Canada officially became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.