Chapter 1, Part 3

First Contacts by Europeans

• Definition: The interactions between the indigenous peoples of North America and European explorers, beginning in the late 15th century.

Early "Discoverers"

• Misconception: Europeans did not discover America; Native peoples inhabited the continent long before their arrival.

The Arrival of Europeans in North America

• Jacques Cartier: First documented European to arrive, circa 1534.

• Earlier Arrivals: Vikings reached North America around 1000 CE.

• Other Explorers:

  • Christopher Columbus: Reached the Americas in 1492.

  • John Cabot: Reached Newfoundland in 1497.

  • Giovanni da Verrazano: Sailed along the Atlantic coast in 1524.

Viking Discoveries and Settlements

• Location: Vikings landed at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland.

• Settlement Attempts: Initiated in 1000 CE but met with difficulties.

• Reasons for Failure: Attacks from Native peoples and harsh environments.

The Shift in European Focus

• 1453: The capture of Constantinople by the Turks disrupted land routes to Asia, prompting Europeans to seek sea routes.

Columbus's Voyages

• 1492 Expedition: Columbus set sail believing in a round Earth.

• Outcome: His voyages led to the European awareness of the Americas.

Fishing Industry Development

• Cod Fishery: Europeans exploited the rich fishing grounds off Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

• Demand Factors: High meat costs in Europe and religious fasting days increased reliance on fish.

• Fishing Techniques:

  • Green Fisheries: Utilized salt for preservation.

  • Dried Fisheries: Required structures for sun and wind drying.

Interaction with Native Peoples

• Initial Contacts: Europeans engaged with Native peoples primarily for trade, notably with the Huron.

• Goods Exchanged: Europeans brought knives, guns, and alcohol; Natives exchanged furs and canoes.

Impact on Huron Culture

• Cultural Influence: French goods influenced Huron ways of life.

• Consequences: The introduction of new diseases and increased violence from Iroquois attacks led to severe declines in Huron population.

Jacques Cartier's Expeditions

• Goals:

  1. Build an empire for France.

  2. Find a route to Asia.

  3. Seek precious metals.

  4. Convert Native peoples to Christianity.

• Outcomes:

  • Cartier made three voyages (1534-1541) but struggled to establish permanent settlements.

  • His crew faced scurvy due to insufficient vitamin C, resulting in deaths during harsh winters.

Settlements and Failures

• Notable Settlements:

  • Charlesbourg-Royal (1541): Located in Cap Rouge, identified gold and diamonds but failed due to harsh winters.

  • Sable Island: Nearly failed, with few survivors.

  • Port-Royal: Established in 1605 but ceased operations in 1607.

Tadoussac Trading Post

• Establishment: Founded in 1600 by Pierre Chauvin to facilitate trade with Native peoples.

Aboriginal Perspective

• Montagnais Viewpoint: Critique of European dependency on beaver pelts, highlighting cultural misunderstandings amid trade relations.