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