This map illustrates the balance of powers that existed when the final phase of the French-British conflict in North America began. New France included Canada, continental Acadia (New Brunswick), Ile Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island), Ile Royale (Cape Breton Island), the Northwest Territories and Louisiana, which stretched from the area south of Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico in effect, the major part of the continent. In reality, however, French occupation extended over a very small part of the immense but fragile territory claimed for New France. With its sparse population and weak economy, the colony's survival depended largely upon the aid or the benevolent neutrality of the various Amerindian groups. With their million and a half inhabitants, the British colonies were concentrated in a smaller area and were economically more developed. Although British territorial expansion was blocked by the French presence, the colonists could usually count on the support of their powerful homeland and its naval supremacy. The balance of powers was a very unequal one.
