History
The city of Montreal is rich of more than 350 years of history having forged its identity and its culture. It has earned a special status in America as the largest french speaking city on the continent.
1642
French colony
Montreal, formally named Ville-Marie, was founded in 1642 by Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve and Jeanne Mance during the French colonization. During that period, the city's economy and general growth developed mainly thanks to fur trade.1760
British regime
In 1760, the French colony was conquered by Great Britain and the city fell into the hands of the English,despite the population still being predominantly francophone. An important business bourgeoisie began to settle in Montreal, as the economy centered around trading and transport activities.1824
Industrialization
The geographical position of the city, the opening of the Lachine Canal and the arrival of the railway favored the industrial and economic development of Montreal. Until the end of the 1950s, Montreal was also the main financial center of Canada.1960
Quiet Revolution
In 1960, Quebec really entered modernity with the Quiet Revolution, as a French nationalist spirit was born. The 1967 International and Universal Exposition allowed the construction of the Montreal Metro and assured the international image of the city. The metropolis then hosted the Summer Olympics a few years later in 1976.Present
