Reception from the Mi’kmaq and Haudenosaunee peoples

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1. Why did Cartier receive a warm reception from the Mi’kmaq and Haudenosaunee peoples he encountered on his early voyages to the Atlantic coast of Canada?
2. What happened to the “Saint Lawrence Iroquois” between the voyages of Cartier and Champlain?
3. Why did Champlain find it so difficult to make progress into the heart of North America on his voyages in the early seventeenth century?
4. Account for the Haudenosaunee “Mourning War.” Why did other nations (like the Mi’kmaq) adopt the Haudenosaunee view of warfare?
5. Why did the Jesuits succeed in converting the Wendat people?
6. Why were the Five Nations Iroquois so successful in their destruction of Wendake (also known as Huronia) in 1649?
7. Why did the Haudenosaunee launch the attack on Wendake in the first place?
8. What happened to the Wendat people after their home was destroyed?
9. With the fall of the Wendat civilization, New France was left without an ally in the pays d’en haut (the upper Great Lakes). To whom did the French turn for help? Why?
10. Why did the Ojibwa and Odaawa Nations trade furs with the French at Bawating, Michilimackinac, and Montreal?

Sample Solution

Here’s a breakdown of the reasons behind the events you mentioned:

  1. Warm Reception for Cartier: The Mi’kmaq and Haudenosaunee likely welcomed Cartier for a few reasons:
    • Novelty:They might have been curious about these strange visitors and their technology.
    • Trade:They might have hoped to establish trade relations with the Europeans.
    • Misunderstanding:They might have misinterpreted Cartier’s intentions, not realizing the long-term consequences of European arrival.
  2. Disappearance of the “Saint Lawrence Iroquois”: There’s no definitive answer, but possibilities include:
    • Incorporation:They might have been absorbed into other existing Iroquois nations.
    • Disease:European diseases could have significantly reduced their population.
    • Migration:They might have moved further inland.
  3. Champlain’s Difficulties: Champlain faced challenges because:
    • Alliance Shifts:Alliances between Indigenous nations were fluid. The Haudenosaunee might not have been as welcoming as they were to Cartier.
    • Competition:French fur trade competition with existing Indigenous networks could have caused tension.
    • Lack of Trust:Indigenous people might have become wary of European intentions after initial interactions.
  4. Haudenosaunee Mourning Wars:
    • Replacing Warriors:These wars aimed to capture enemies to adopt and replace warriors lost in battles.
    • Strength and Prestige:Victories brought prestige and strengthened their position.
  • Adoption by Others:Other nations might have adopted this practice due to:
    • Similar Needs:They might have faced similar population decline due to warfare and disease.
    • Power Dynamics:Aligning with the Haudenosaunee practice could have provided security against them.
  1. Jesuit Success with Wendat: There are a few reasons for the Jesuits’ success:
    • Focus on Conversion:Unlike fur traders, Jesuits prioritized religious conversion, potentially offering a sense of comfort and hope.
    • Accommodation:Jesuits adapted to some Wendat customs, making their message more palatable.
    • Wendat Interest:The Wendat might have been receptive to new spiritual ideas due to challenges they faced.
  2. Five Nations’ Destruction of Wendake:
    • Competition:The fur trade competition between the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee intensified.
    • Alliance Shifts:The Haudenosaunee might have exploited alliances with other nations to isolate the Wendat.
    • Wendat Vulnerability:European diseases might have weakened the Wendat population and defenses.
  3. Haudenosaunee Motives for Attack: Several factors likely contributed:
    • Fur Trade Control:Eliminating the Wendat as trade competitors strengthened Haudenosaunee control.
    • Revenge:There might have been ongoing tensions or past conflicts motivating the attack.
    • Expansion:The Haudenosaunee might have sought to expand their territory and influence.
  4. Fate of the Wendat: The Wendat suffered greatly:
    • Displacement:They were scattered and forced to seek refuge with other Indigenous nations.
    • Population Decline:Warfare and disease likely caused significant population loss.
    • Cultural Loss:Their traditional way of life was disrupted and their culture threatened.
  5. French Turned to Ojibwa and Odawa:
    • New Alliances:With the Wendat weakened, the French needed new fur trade partners to maintain their economic interests.
    • Strategic Location:The Ojibwa and Odawa controlled access to rich fur-bearing regions in the Great Lakes.
  6. Ojibwa and Odawa Trade Motivations:
    • European Goods:They gained access to European manufactured goods like metal tools, weapons, and textiles.
    • Economic Benefits:The fur trade offered a source of income and economic power within their communities.
    • Competition:They might have participated to maintain their position against other Indigenous nations trading with the French.

It’s important to remember that history is complex. These are some of the main reasons behind the events you listed, but there are likely additional factors and nuances to consider for a more complete understanding.

 

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