The Beginning of the Fur Trade
Patterns of European Expansionism
3 G s (15th-18thC)
• Glory
• Gold
• God
3 Cs (19th-20thC)
• Commerce
• Christianity
• Civilization
3 G’s
►Gold►God►Glory
Reasons for Exploration:
To find a sea route to the spices of Asia To find gold, silver, and precious stones To expand their knowledge of the world To control a larger empire To expand Christianity To find animal furs
Cycle of Conquest & Colonization
Cycle of Conquest & Colonization
ExplorersConquistadores
Mis
sionar
ies
Permanent Settlers
EuropeanColonialEmpire
Arrival of European
Europeans began hunting and farming in land that was once used only by the First Nations.
They were having their land taken by them, and this was being done without permission.
http://www.furtradestories.ca/era_1600to1867.html
The fur trade helped shape Canada’s historical development by pushing exploration and expansion westward and northward.
When we look at the explorers and other groups associated with the fur trade during this period, we
see its impact on our social, economic and political development:
The Outcomes of the Fur Trade
The interaction between First Nations and Europeans
The rivalry between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company
The rise of the Métis nation
The settlement of the Red River colony.
European Impact on the Natives
Europeans brought diseases to the First Nations. MeaslesInfluenzaPertussis (whooping cough)Chickenpox
The First Nations peoples had never been exposed to such illness (lacked immunity) and as a result many First Nation people died.
Popularity of Furs
Fancy furs from Canada became very popular back in Europe.
Wolf, lynx, beaver
The Role of First Nations
First Nations peoples would bring in furs
Often they would trade the furs for items that were worth a a lot less than the value of the furs. Hatchets, pots, beads, knivesSupplemented income from fishing and
hunting
Port Royal
Samuel de Champlain Established 1605
Company of Good Cheer cooking club
AcadiaPort Royal eventually led to the
creation of Acadia
Quebec City
Samuel de Champlain Established 1608
Fur trade alliancesAlgonkians, Montagnais ally with the
FrenchDon’t trade furs with the English
The Huron
Economy based on farming
Allied with Champlain against Iroquois
Pre-existing uneasy relationship with Algonkians and Montagnais (also Champlain allies)
By 1616 the Huron supplied a major source of furs for the French
Learning the Fur Trade
The Fur Trade was a very big business.
Soon, Europeans learned how to trap furs from the First Nation people
Trading Posts were built throughout Canada
Coureurs de Bois
Young Male Fur Traders Who did not work for a specific companyTravelled inland to find furs at the sourceBribed officials to turn a blind eye
ExplorersSearched for the Northwest Passage
Two Fur Trade Companies
Hudson’s Bay Company English Royal Charter1670
North West Trading CompanyBegan as 16 fur traders in MontrealFrench 1779