Learn more about the Fur Trade.
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The Fur Trade
The fur trade: Furs were a valuable resource for export, and French and British fur traders travelled far and wide to obtain furs from Aboriginal trappers. No money was exchanged in the fur trade: furs were bartered for goods. The fur trade is an important factor in globalization in Canada because it brought people of various cultures together. Their interdependence affected the British, French, and First Nations people in many ways and contributed to the unique culture of the Mètis.
Initially, the fur trade was a French monopoly in Canada. The Dutch were involved actively in the United States. Soon, the British were involved as well.
The beaver pelt was the standard against which all furs were measured because hats of beaver fur were fashionable in Europe. The hats were not actually made of fur, but of a kind of felt made by mashing fibres of the pelt with other substances. (Interestingly enough, one such substance was mercury, which made the hat makers insane. That is where the expression "mad as a hatter" comes from!) So many beavers were trapped that the animal almost became extinct. Fortunately for the beaver, fashions changed! When these hats lost fashion appeal, our national animal could increase in numbers again, surviving well until today.
Initially, the fur trade was a French monopoly in Canada. The Dutch were involved actively in the United States. Soon, the British were involved as well.
The beaver pelt was the standard against which all furs were measured because hats of beaver fur were fashionable in Europe. The hats were not actually made of fur, but of a kind of felt made by mashing fibres of the pelt with other substances. (Interestingly enough, one such substance was mercury, which made the hat makers insane. That is where the expression "mad as a hatter" comes from!) So many beavers were trapped that the animal almost became extinct. Fortunately for the beaver, fashions changed! When these hats lost fashion appeal, our national animal could increase in numbers again, surviving well until today.
Traders and trading companies: Independent traders and established trading companies searched far and wide to obtain the furs of many wild animals from native trappers.
Voyageurs and
coureurs de bois travelled the rivers of Canada, learning much about survival in the wilderness from the native people. In exchange, native people purchased European-made goods such as metal pots and pans, blankets, snares, weapons, and tools that made their lives easier. They were also able to obtain decorative items such as beads. Alcohol was often used as a trading tool. One item traded for furs especially in eastern North America was
wampum, originally thought to be a form of money.
The French-Canadians came to know the region, developing great skills as canoeists. They also learned from their native guides and, often, they married native women.
The French-Canadians came to know the region, developing great skills as canoeists. They also learned from their native guides and, often, they married native women.
The French and English traded differently with the native people . The French travelled into native country to obtain furs. This led to intermarriage and the development of the Mètis culture. The British established large trading posts and expected the native people to travel to the posts to trade. This led to many permanent settlements and trading routes.
The Hudson's Bay Company is the oldest corporation in Canada, founded in 1670. It was one of the primary forces in the fur trade. In fact, a huge area of Canada called Rupert's Land was once owned by the Hudson's Bay Company. Its British and Scottish traders and trappers forged early relationships with many groups of First Nations, and its network of trading posts connected the people of western Canada. In the late 19th century, its vast territory became the largest component in the newly formed Dominion of Canada.
The Northwest Trading Company was the chief rival of the Hudson's Bay Company, founded by several British and Scottish entrepreneurs. One early member was Alexander Mackenzie, who explored much of the north. Intense rivalry between the two companies resulted in each trying to outdo the other for access to the furs supplied by the native people. Eventually, the companies merged.
The Hudson's Bay Company is the oldest corporation in Canada, founded in 1670. It was one of the primary forces in the fur trade. In fact, a huge area of Canada called Rupert's Land was once owned by the Hudson's Bay Company. Its British and Scottish traders and trappers forged early relationships with many groups of First Nations, and its network of trading posts connected the people of western Canada. In the late 19th century, its vast territory became the largest component in the newly formed Dominion of Canada.
The Northwest Trading Company was the chief rival of the Hudson's Bay Company, founded by several British and Scottish entrepreneurs. One early member was Alexander Mackenzie, who explored much of the north. Intense rivalry between the two companies resulted in each trying to outdo the other for access to the furs supplied by the native people. Eventually, the companies merged.
Albertan Fur Trader, 1880
Library and Archives Canada/C-001229, Image in public domain
Library and Archives Canada/C-001229, Image in public domain
Interesting Fact! Did you know that in 2006, the 336-year old Hudson's Bay Company was sold to American billionaire Jerry Zucker?