The document summarizes French colonization in North America between the 16th-18th centuries. It discusses how the French settled in North America for safety and trade, particularly the fur trade with local Algonquian and Iroquoian tribes. The French relied on alliances with certain tribes for defense and trade, developing a "middle ground" relationship with some groups. However, disease depleted some tribes' populations, weakening alliances and causing conflicts like the Natchez uprising against French control. The French presence in North America was ultimately dependent on maintaining relationships with indigenous groups.

1. French in North America Lindsey Miller History 140

3. French, English, and Dutch mariners want to settle near New Spain

4. Difficult task with Spanish watching and defending land

5. French decide to settle in North America

6. Safer, but less desirable

7. Main commodities: Fish and fur trade

10. Practiced “mourning wars” – Would take hostages from other tribes

11. Seen as a violent, never-ending cycle

12. Great Leagues was formed to try and promote calm and peaceful think

13. Refocused anger and war towards farther enemies

14. Including other Iroquoian-speaking nations

15. In 1633-35 small pox and measles depleted half of the Iroquois population

16. Believed it was sorcery and sought revenge

17. Every attack resulted in a counter-attack

20. Stimulated growth by paying for transatlantic passages

21. Many men would only stay for short terms, eventually returning to France

22. Those who did emigrated improved their status and standard of living

23. Ate meat and white bread often

24. Allowed to fish and hunt (not something one could do in France)

25. Paid less for rent

26. First farm families were formed

27. Brought by seigneurs

28. Initiated modest growth

30. Area of mostly trade

31. Area found balance with Indians

32. Missions allowed a reasonable amount of Indian culture alongside that of Catholicism

33. Based alliance of mutual accommodations

34. Neither group dominated the other

35. “Middle Ground”

36. Balance of Indians and French living together

37. Demanded constant attention and generosity from French

38. Otherwise trust and alliance would be lost

40. American Colonies: Ch 16 French America, 1650-1750 Petite Nations Group of various Indian tribes Provided French with food Were betrayed by French Once the French gained numbers and strength attempted to control the Petite Nations Petite Nations forced to accept French domination due to low populations from disease One group – the Natchez had an uprising Killed over 200 French, absorbed 200 black slaves as allies, and took 50 women and children as captives Were defeated by French allying with Choctaw Demonstrated the French dependence on Indians for aid Both Indians and French dependant on each other Forced French to always keep alliance with at least some tribes