Notes

Outline

Chapter 5 The Fur Trade

Two Worlds Meet When the North American fur trade began in the early 1600’s, which two groups were trading?

The French and the            American Indians

Where were they?

They were in the St. Lawrence River valley in eastern Canada.

"What kinds of items did..." What kinds of items did the Indians receive in the trade?

Manufactured goods such as: Blankets Jewelry Knives Kettles guns

What did the French get from the Indians when trading?

Pelts from: Beaver Mink Other animals

By the 1700’s, what were four            ways the fur trade             had changed?

1.  France, Great Britain and Holland       were involved. 2.  Tons of goods and thousands of       furs were traded. 3.  Fur traders organized businesses 4.  Traders moved west and founded      settlements with European      names.

Name two reasons why the Europeans wanted beaver fur.

1.  They were made into felt hats which stood as a status symbol.  2.  The hats were durable, windproof and waterproof. By the 1600’s, beavers were almost extinct in Europe.

Why did American Indians  want European goods?

1.  Beads were new, colorful        decorations. 2.  Woven fabric was more        comfortable and easier to         clean. 3.  Kettles were fireproof and      easy to carry. 4.  Along with tools and guns,      these goods made life easier.

Tell me about a                                          typical trader.

He was in charge of one or more trading posts. He could read and write. He usually came from a wealthy family with a high social position.

Tell me about a          typical clerk.

He worked under a trader taking care of the day-to-day business at the post. Sometimes he ran the post. He could read and write but did not have a traders high social position.

Tell me about a       typical voyageur.

He was the workman who did the physical labor. He probably could not read or write. He most likely came from a farm family and had limited opportunities.

What was the role of men in the fur trade?

They hunted and trapped furs. They traded goods and translated.

What was the role of women in the fur trade?

They prepared the furs, collected sugar and fixed canoes. They sometimes married traders to form alliances between their families and the traders. They traded goods and translated.

List two main activities in       the fur trade during:                 Autumn

Autumn Trade men traveled to wintering posts. Indians traveled to winter hunting grounds.

List two main activities in       the fur trade during:                 Winter

Winter Indians collected and prepared furs. Indians and traders exchanged goods and furs.

List two main activities in       the fur trade during:                 Spring

Spring Indians collected the last furs of the season. Traders prepared for departure, or Indian women replaced canoes.

List two main activities in       the fur trade during:                 Summer

Summer Trade men returned to Grand Portage for the rendezvous. Indians returned to summer camp.

What were some sources    of conflict and tension at a   fur trading post?

Hunger was caused by low food supply Competition between trading posts Competition between Indian tribes Personality clashes

What were two or more skills or ideas (not items) that were exchanged?

Indians taught Europeans how to make birchbark canoes, snowshoes and taboggans. Europeans introduced Indians to Christianity.

Why did explorers and missionaries come to Minnesota?

"Explorers sought fame and adventure" Explorers sought fame and adventure. Missionaries wanted to convert Indians to Christianity.