Do Now What are the three branches of the National Government and what are their roles?

The Fur Trade

Trade is a Part of Every Culture The fur trade brought American Indians and Europeans together as trading partners. Traders brought goods from a place where they were abundant to a place where they are scarce. Trade provided tools and materials that made life better. The point of trade was to try and make a profit. Profit: the money gained from the sale of a good or service after all the costs needed to make the sale are subtracted

Beginnings of Exploration and Trade Many Europeans came to North America to find new resources that they could gather and sell for a profit back in Europe. Resources: a source or supply of a useful material. Not all were fur traders who came to the region. Explorers: in search of fame and adventure Missionaries: wanted native people to give up their religions in favor of Christianity.

Beginnings of Exploration and Trade Continued… In the 1600’s, French traders came to trade with American Indians in exchange for furs. The Frenchmen offered blankets, jewelry, and useful metal goods such as knives, kettles, guns, and needles. By the early 1700’s fur traders had started setting up trading centers around the Great Lakes and in the lands of the Dakota and Ojibwe. Fur traders: a term used for a European or American involved in the fur trade.

I Want, You Want The fur trade was successful because It was mutually beneficial for Europeans and American Indians. The Europeans wanted pelts, especially from beavers. Pelts: an animal skin with the fur on it. Hats made with beaver fur were considered symbols of the rich and powerful in Europe.

More Than Furs Besides the valuable furs, European traders needed food, labor, and tools. French and British traders traveled long distances from the East Coast of North America to set up trading posts each year. The Europeans traded with natives for wild rice, meat, and maple sugar. They also traded for canoes and hired Ojibwe or Dakota guides to help them navigate the miles of twisting rivers and trails.

More Than Furs Continued… Guides: a person hired to help voyageurs and fur traders find their way through unfamiliar lands. The Europeans also needed interpreters to help them communicate with the Dakota and Ojibwe. Interpreters: a person who translates for people who speak different languages.

Beaver Hats From about 1550 to 1850, it was the fashion of European men and women to wear felts hats. The fur was cut off the skin, soaked, and pressed into beaver felt. Beaver fur is both soft and durable. It stands up well to wind and rain and to rough handling.

The Business of Trading In Europe, people exchanged goods and services for money. European businessmen formed companies such as the North West Company in order to profit from the fur trade. People put their own money into a company to help it grow. These trading posts were all around the Great Lakes and Canada.

The Fur Trade: A Worldwide Business The business connections of fur trade companies stretched across the globe. Purchased beads in Italy and Germany. Iron tools and cloth came from France and Britain. Special red dyes were brought in from China and India.

Exit Slip What two nations were fighting for control in North America which changed who the Dakota and the Ojibwe were trading with? What is an investor? Why was the fur trade so successful?