France was the European power that colonized much of Canada, particularly in the early 17th century. The establishment of settlements, such as Quebec in 1608, marked the beginning of New France, where French explorers and settlers developed fur trade relationships with Indigenous peoples. The French influence in Canada played a foundational role in shaping the region's cultural, linguistic, and social identity. However, France's claims in Canada were contested by the British, leading to conflicts and the eventual British conquest of Canada in 1763 following the Seven Years’ War. French heritage and language continue to be significant in modern Canada.