The System of Trade

Louisbourg was one the major ports on the North Atlantic. Its large and well-protected harbor was one of the busiest in the New World. In 1706, before the founding of Louisbourg, the Intendent of New France saw the potential of it to become an important transshipment port for France's overseas colonies. This is the exact role Louisbourg played. It was a pivot between New France and France.

The diversity and scope of Louisbourg's commerce presented a wide variety of business opportunities for merchants. The economy in Louisbourg was driven by a large cod fishery with its annual worth to the local economy being several times higher than government expenditures. Middle men had an integral role in arranging business transactions. Such transactions necessitated a knowledge of foreign markets and contacts with them. Trading with foreign countries was not encouraged by the French government. Since countries followed the theory of mercantilism. Mercantilism was a theory emphasizing self-sufficiency and national rivalries with each country trying to trade more within their colonial system, and less with foreign countries. This shift of trade increased their power and decreased their enemies' power. This theory was based on the belief that there was a fixed amount of wealth in the world, with every country trying to gain the largest share. Thus mercantilism was economic competition akin to warfare.

Mercantilism was much more easier in theory than in practice. In the case of Louisbourg, the colony should have had all of its many imports come from either France or a French colony. In reality, that could not be done. Building material and food supplies were often purchased from New England colonies, however French royal officials did permit "emergency" trade so that the colony could survive in hostile times. At other times, trade with the New Englanders went beyond the specific goods to be sold or exchanged. There was an active market for contraband.

Trade in Louisbourg was seasonal. The summer and fall were the busiest times of the year, with the cheapest prices. The winters were quiet, and any goods purchased would be expensive. Over 100 shipping vessels would enter the harbour each year. Louisbourg's most important trading partners were France, West Indies and New England.

Trade with the Mi'kmaq was also common, mostly aimed at building up a friendship, and protecting the relationship with their allies. France's relationship was much more stable than that of the English; the French wanted it to stay that way. Trade included such things as hunting and agricultural knowledge and many medical potions, in return for rifles and tools.

The tonneau was the scale unit used by the French to measure goods. As a measurement of weight, one tonneau equals 2 000 livres. They also used it as a measurement of volume of a ship. In 1681, it was stated that the tonneau was defined as 42 cubic pieds.

Trade in Louisbourg was very important; it was the backbone of a strong economy.