The growth of New England was a result of the aggregate efforts of a busy multitude, each in his narrow circle toiling for himself, to gather competence or wealth. The expansion of New France was the achievement of a gigantic ambition striving to grasp a continent. It was a vain attempt.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Parkman contrasts New England's collective individualism with New France's top-down ambition.
- In plain terms
- New England grew from many people working for themselves, while New France tried to grab a whole continent alone.
- What can you take from it?
- Grassroots growth often succeeds where grand ambitions fail.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do some ambitions fail while collective efforts succeed?
- How does individual toil shape nations?
Another view
The contrast oversimplifies the complexities of both colonial projects.
More from Francis Parkman
If any pale student, glued to his desk, here seek an apology for a way of life whose natural fruits is that pallid and emasculate scholarship of which New Engl…
Permalink to quote #1 A boundless vision grows upon us; an untamed continent; vast wastes of forest verdure; mountains silent in primeval sleep; river, lake, and glimmering pool; wi…
Permalink to quote #3 Faithfulness to the truth of history involves far more than a research, however patient and scrupulous, into special facts. Such facts may be detailed with the…
Permalink to quote #4
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