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The
Fur Trade Expands (and then slows down again)
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One of the
first to realize the potential of trade in North America was Samuel
de Champlain. In 1603, he made his first trip to North America.
He returned several years later to establish a permanent settlement.
He wanted to bring many more people to settle in Canada. The
King of France gave him permission to do so, but in return Champlain
was told to develop the fur trade.
It was not
long before the English also saw how much money could be made in
the fur trade. The competition between England and France became
fierce. They both wanted to be in control of the land and its resources.
The English and the French were soon sending shiploads of beaver
pelts
back to Europe.
Competition
in the fur trade helped spark fighting between First Nations tribes.
The Iroquois
would ambush the Huron
traders who were bringing furs to Quebec. As a result, the
fur trade almost came to a stop.
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The
French chose to fight on the side of the Huron in a battle in
1609. Chaplain shot two Iroquois chiefs, and another Frenchman
shot a third. This started a war with the Iroquois - a war that
lasted 90 years.
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Biographies:
Samuel de Champlain
Madelaine de Vercheres
Related Stories:
Aboriginal Peoples
Daughters of the King
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Why
did the English want to fight the French in North America?
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