Question

Explain what factors contributed to the development of The French Fur Trade in Wisconsin

Answer 1

The development of The French Fur Trade in Wisconsin can be attributed to several different historical and geo-political factors.

During the 16th century French, after their failure to discover wealth and precious metals in Asia, found something equally valuable (if not more valuable) – furs. During that time the use of furs was widespread in Europe and Europeans used furs for several different purposes like using furs as trims for garments, in hats, etc. During the 1500s the fur trade became highly lucrative and this led many explorers like Cartier, Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot), Henry Hudson etc. to embark on voyages for fur trading. The period of the 16th century witnessed several French traders coming to Tadoussac (which was near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers).

The wars that occurred during the period 1640s to 1700s disrupted the fur trade to a large extent. After the wars ended many tribes such as the Potawatomi, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Sauk, and Fox were pushed from southern Michigan into Wisconsin. For instance the supply chain of furs was disrupted to the French colony of Quebec because of the Iroquois wars. It should be noted that before the wars it was the Huron that controlled the trade into the interior of North America, Wisconsin included. Two traders came into Wisconsin in 1654 and their future voyages established contact between French traders and Wisconsin Indians.

Nicolas Perrot voyaged in 1667 and established several small forts in Wisconsin and these forts also served as trading posts. He was followed by several other Frenchman. All these historical factors and events contributed to the development of The French Fur Trade in Wisconsin.