Introduction
What animal was primarily hunted in the early fur trade?
Beavers
What was the role of John Jacob Astor in the fur trade?
Founded the American Fur Company, largest in the US
What was the rendezvous system?
Annual gathering of fur trappers, traders, and Native Americans
What role did Native Americans play in the fur trade?
Trade partners
What was the main reason that beaver populations declined?
Over-trapping (exploitation)
Who was Manuel Lisa?
Established the 1st fur trading post in MT
Who built the first fur trading post in MT?
Manuel Lisa
How often did the rendezvous occur?
Once a year
Who were the Metis?
Mixed descendants of Natives and Europeans
What disease had a significant impact on Native populations?
Smallpox
What changed the focus of the fur trade around 1840?
Declining beaver population
What did William Ashley develop?
Rendezvous system
What event occurred at each rendezvous?
Buying and selling (trade)
What did Native Americans trade for?
European goods
What was pemmican?
Dried meat, fat, and berries
What economic activity did the fur trade introduce to Montana?
Capitalism OR profit-based economies
Name 1 American fur trading company
American Fur Company
Why did the rendezvous system end?
Decreasing beaver populations
How did the fur trade impact intertribal relations?
Increased conflict
True or False: the fur trade increased bison populations
False
Name 2 British fur companies
Hudson's Bay and Northwest Company
Who founded the American Fur Company?
John Jacob Astor
How did trappers benefit from the rendezvous?
Social time, and a time to gather supplies for the next year.
What contributions did Metis people make?
Bilingual, bridged cultural gaps, transporting goods in carts
How did the fur trade shape the economic development of Montana?
Brought capitalism