France & Colonies 1721 A Louis XV Demi Sol

France & Colonies 1721 A Louis XV Demi Sol

French colonialism began in the 16th century and can largely be divided into two periods, with the Seven Years' War between them. The first colonial empire was officially established in the early 17th century with the foundation of New France in modern Canada, followed by Guadeloupe in 1635 and Louisiana in 1699. After losing nearly all of its holdings in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), France initiated a second wave of colonial acquisition beginning in the mid-19th century, this time concentrating on Africa and the South Pacific.

The fundamental ideology behind French colonialism was mission civilsatrice ("civilising mission"), a belief that it was the duty of the enlightened Europeans to bring civilisation and education to people they saw as less enlightened. The policies established by this appalling racism and white supremacy caused immense suffering and violence, and their effects can still be felt to this day.

Coins like this circulated in French colonies, serving as a standardized link between the far-flung populations who lived under the French crown.