AHC: Independent, united New France

How might it be possible to have an independent Francophone state covering a significant amount of the territory of New France (that is to say, Canada and Louisiana together)? Would it be enough to have France win the Seven Year's War somehow and not lose its colonies? Or would it need an earlier PoD that would allow for a more substantial settler population, like Huguenots being allowed or encouraged to settle in New France (which would of course change the colony's whole character)?
 
I suspect a French win in the SYW, or even a stronger finish to the wars of Austrian Succession, could cement French supremacy certainly in Europe and perhaps in North America. In either scenario, a comprehensive victory by France probably restores New France to its 1713 borders while Britain is likely to get a considerable check on its power, albeit a temporary one. Coupled with more religiously tolerant policies and a perspicacious administration, official assisted migration schemes might garner NF pretty steady immigration from Europe in the years to follow.

Of course, as you point out, another interesting possibility is a much earlier increase in migration, tied perhaps to the Huguenots. This is probably the best chance for a strong NF to form which can avoid cultural/military annihilation by the British colonies in the long run IMO.
 
Someone started an interesting timeline in which Cartier's settlements in the 1540s succeeded, giving New France an extra 60 years to grow in population. That could have had a ripple effect, as a successful New France would likely attract more settlers post-1605 than it did IOTL. By the time of the colonial wars, its population would much more comparable with that of the English colonies and it would be very difficult to conquer.

Regarding a Seven Year's War POD, if France can hang onto Hanover for the duration of the war, Britain will probably give up its North American conquests to get it back. But France will still have to find a way after the war to boost the population of its colonies to make them less vulnerable to future invasions. Given a POD that late, I think a loss of Louisiana/the Great Lakes is pretty much inevitable - though perhaps France could hold onto OTL Ontario in addition to Quebec.
 
Last edited:
Top