Why were there no coureurs des bois before 1663 and why did this change?

Answer 1

Before 1663, there were no coureurs des bois primarily because French colonial efforts in North America were still in their early stages, focused on establishing settlements and trade relations. The formal recognition of the fur trade's importance and the establishment of a more structured colonial administration by the French crown in 1663 led to the rise of coureurs des bois. These independent fur traders ventured into the wilderness to engage directly with Indigenous peoples, capitalizing on the lucrative fur trade, which became essential for the French economy. The shift marked a transition from initial colonial settlement to a more expansive and exploitative economic approach in the region.