Assignment Instructions/ Description
How did indigenous groups use trade, diplomacy and war in their relations with outsiders (either other Indians or Europeans) in colonial North America? Discuss at least three of the Indian polities we’ve examined thus far (your choice). Did their strategies change over time? Why and how? At least one of your selections must fall within France or Spain’s imperial zone. Indigenous groups would align with whoever seemed favorable and was able to fulfill their interests Trade • - Fur trade: o - Iroquois aligned with Dutch → British o - Hurons (great lakes) aligned with French • - By 1650, Dutch outcompeted French in fur trade - Diplomacy • - Formed confederacies: native groups that align by common interests and protocols, agreeing on a zone where everyone is safe to move, where natives would not attack each other o - But could have different enemies o - Different policies regarding outsiders • - System only works as long as there is a rival empire War • - English attacked Powhatan natives in 1622 to gain land for tobacco plantations • - Opechancanough captures John Smith who is • - Beaver Wars - Natives went from using trade tactics to being independent from the colonists From being controlled to gaining more freedom Iroquois - Confederacy • - Alliances zones of safety • - Dutch then Brit - Use Iroquois to explain relations with each other and with different groups Huron: • - French • - Traded fur • - Great lakes Ohio Valley: - French Cherokee
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