Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The seigneurial system was the social and economic system in which the land
was divided into large tracts called seigneuries. These were granted by the
Catholic Monarchs to deserving individuals as rewards for services to
the Crown. The seigneur was the lord of the manor and had certain rights
and privileges, including the power to collect rent, dues, and taxes; dispense justice; and appoint local officials. The habitants were the peasants
who lived on the seigneuries and paid rent to the seigneurs. They had
certain obligations to the seigneurs, including corvée (obligatory labor) and
paying taxes and dues.
Social Responsibilities
- Settlers were expected to be loyal to the French government and to
the Catholic Church.
- They were also expected to contribute to the defense of the colony.
Economic Responsibilities
- Most settlers were farmers and were expected to produce enough
food to support themselves and their families.
- They were also expected to pay rent to the seigneur of their land and
to participate in corvée (obligatory labor).
- Settlers could be fined or imprisoned for not fulfilling their obligations.