France did not escape the vast movement of immigrating Europeans to the lands of North America. Just as in Spain, Netherlands, Sweden and England, the kingdom of France was also enticed to find a place in the New World. Although this migration and settlement obeyed largely commercial interests, New France developped slowly. Fearing in part the depopulation that Spain had experienced to Latin America and South America, and lacking the strong financial resources required by such an adventure, means to support setllers were limited. It was through personal effort and cost that families were established in New France.

In 1760, from New France to Louisiana, French territories included more than half of America, but one could count only a population of 85,000 residents whereas the other American colonies amounted to about 1, 200,000 settlers. For its defense in America, France, despite its much smaller population and military capability, possessed a not so negligible advantage: the geography. The Appalachian Mountains formed a natural barrier difficult for the English to cross. In particular, Quebec with its rugged promontory was to become the symbol of French resistance to the British. However, in 1759, after a two month's siege, New France and Quebec fell into the hands of British troops under the command of General Wolfe. The treaty of Paris in 1763 ratified this loss. Nonetheless, Quebec City remains essentially French in population, language and customs to this day.

It should not be surprising that, with the constant wars, especially that of the Conquest, members of the Cazeau family would be closely involved.