USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In 17th-and 18th-century New France, habitants were independent landowners who established a homestead. Their status came with certain privileges and obligations. For example, during the colony’s early years, only habitants had the right to small-scale fur trading .

Detailed explanation-2: -Habitants were free individuals; seigneurs simply owned a “bundle of specific and limited rights over productive activity within that territory". The seigneur – habitant relationship was one where both parties were owners of the land who split the attributes of ownership between them.

Detailed explanation-3: -Each plot of land in rural New France was owned by a seigneur and he would offer sections of his land to families, who were known as habitants. The habitants would live on their piece of land, farm it for food, and pay taxes to the seigneur. This was how all newcomers to the colony lived.

Detailed explanation-4: -The term “Habs” is an abbreviation of “Les Habitants.” This term dates back to the 17th century, and refers to the settlers of New France, now known as Quebec.

Detailed explanation-5: -The habitants had to clear the land, build a homestead, and plant and harvest a crop. The first task was never-ending, while the last one was annual. Building and repair-ing the house and barn were continual tasks. So were cutting and hauling firewood.