History 101 - Week 4

Fur Trade

Fur Trade

The trade of pelts and furs for European goods, occurring between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans

Beothuk

An Indigenous nation that never adapted to European presence, and was wiped out/absorbed into other nations

Samuel de Champlain

Founder of Quebec, arrived in Stadakohna and chose it to become Quebec in 1608. There was a harsh winter in 1608-09, but Champlain sought financial support for the colony and they were saved. The Fur Trade with the Algonquin and Innu was also essential for Quebec’s survival

Jesuits

A men-only religious group, spreading the Catholic faith. They went on numerous mission trips to the new settlement, often living among the Indigenous peoples and attempting to convert them to Christianity

Taretande

Southern Bear Nation headman, was a strong force of resistance against the Jesuits during the plagues that struck the Wendat in the 1630s. Died on 12 January 1637

Aenon

Northern Bear Nation headman, wanted an alliance with the Jesuits and the French and seeked to establish a “Centre Lieu” with them. Died on 6 August 1637

What developments were taking place in Europe at the start of the 16th C?

The feudal system was breaking down, slavery was widely practiced, the Roman Catholic Church split into Catholic and Protestant, Renaissance of the 14th and 15th C, growth of capitalist enterprises

What were some European reasons for establishing colonies?

Gain political advantage, build their empires cheaply by getting Entrepreneurs to sponsor settlement in the new world, Mercantilism (a form of economic nationalism), to spread Christianity

Describe the beginnings of European settlement in Newfoundland

Servants were left behind on shore to protect the fishery from vandalism, and some began to stay for years at a time

What was Cuper’s Cove?

A settlement crated in 1610, designed to serve as a base of the Newfoundland fishery and trade furs with the Beothuk. However, the colony was harassed by pirates, agriculture was difficult, the Beothuk did not want to trade in furs, and migratory fishermen were not pleased about settlement on one of their prized fishing coves. The colony broke up in the early 1620s

What was Ferryland?

Colony established in 1620 by Sir George Calvert (England’s Secretary of State for the Colony), harassed by French Privateers and ravaged by an outbreak of scurvy. This led Calvert to withdraw, and most people left. However many stayed, forming the basis for the Brit population in Newfoundland

Why did the French initially give up on colonialism?

Civil wars between 1562-98, no interest in the cod fishery. However, the demand for furs prompted a return by 1600

How was Acadia founded?

Founded by Pierre du Gua de Monts, when he was granted fur trading monopoly in 1603 in return for a promise to settle 60 colonialists a year + promote Catholicism among Indigenous Peoples. The Mi’kmaq were essential to the colony’s success.

Where does the word “Canada” come from?

The St. Lawrence Iroqoian word Kanata, meaning village or settlement

What was the English interlude (1629-1633)?

War broke out between England and France. David Kirke, an Englishman commissioned to displace the French from Canada, caused the french to surrender by July 1629. Many colonists left along with Champlain, who returned to Quebec in 1633

What was Wendake?

Point of exchange between the southern agricultural nations and the northern nomadic hunters. Became the heard of the missionary network, commercial empire, and a chain of military fortifications

How did European gender roles influence Indigenous society?

Imposed the patriarchy on Indigenous society, especially through Christianity. Women’s considerable power in Indigenous societies was threatened

What caused the Wendat-Five Nations Wars?

Warfare escalated due to European weaponry and Mourning wars due to the plagues of the 1630s

Explain The Destruction of Wendake

Destroyed by the Haudenosaunee in 1649, who attempted to disrupt the annual flotilla of Wendat canoes from Wendake to Quebec by attacking Wendake. They tortured and killed Jesuit priests, survivors dispersed

What was the Compagnie de la Nouvelle France?

A new trade monopoly was granted to this company to boost efforts to build a colony. The company was granted lands from Florida to the Arctic circle, and would in return fund missionary activities in 1627

Consequences of the destruction of Wendake

Haudenosaunee accessed direct trade with English + Dutch French forced to develop new fur-trade strategies Demonstrated that New France could not survive simply as a fur-trading post

What changed for the Mi’kmaq with Colonialism?

Became more involved with and dependent on french settlements due to resource depletion Culture completely altered, loss of traditional lifestyles