Overview
This lecture examines the profound effects of early European colonialism on Native American populations in North America, focusing on epidemic disease, demographic decline, and the economic and social impact of the fur trade.
European Arrival and Early Contacts
- Dutch explored Northeast North America in the early 1600s, establishing initial trade with native tribes.
- The English replaced the Dutch in the region by the late 17th century.
- Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts after a bubonic plague epidemic (1616–1619) had devastated local tribes.
- Squanto mediated between Pilgrims and local tribes, especially the powerful Pokanoket.
Epidemic Diseases and Demographic Decline
- Epidemics like smallpox, plague, measles, and influenza decimated native populations, who lacked immunity ("virgin soil epidemics").
- Smallpox and measles epidemics in 1633 killed large numbers of natives across the Northeast.
- Scholars debate pre-contact native population size; estimates suggest significant losses but focus is shifting to native responses.
Colonial Conflict and the Pequot War
- Fur trade rivalry heightened tensions, especially between the Pequot (Dutch trade) and Mohegan (British trade).
- The Pequot War (1636–1638) saw British and their native allies destroy the Pequot main village, killing ~600 people.
- Surviving Pequots were enslaved or sold to Bermuda; Pequot community weakened for centuries.
Changes in Native Society and Culture
- Puritan missionaries created "praying towns" to convert natives and suppress traditional practices.
- King Philip’s War (1675–1676) involved multiple tribes fighting colonists and resulted in massive casualties.
- Traditional native explanations for disease included supernatural causes and sorcery; healers used traditional remedies like sweat baths.
- Abandonment of homes often meant relocating within broader kinship networks rather than random flight.
The Fur Trade and Economic Shifts
- Beaver fur became the primary trade good in the North, while deerskins dominated the South.
- The Hudson’s Bay Company (founded 1670) controlled the northern fur trade and partnered with natives, unlike settlers who saw natives as obstacles.
- European traders preferred beaver pelts worn by natives for easier fur processing.
- The fur trade fostered intertribal competition, increased warfare, and led to intermarriage between European men and native women.
- Introduction of guns, sugar, and alcohol disrupted traditional native economies and social structures.
- Overhunting led to depletion of beaver and later buffalo populations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Virgin Soil Epidemics — outbreaks of disease in populations with no previous exposure and thus no immunity.
- Ecological Imperialism — the introduction of Old World species (diseases, animals, plants) securing colonial success.
- Praying Towns — settlements where natives were expected to adopt Christian English lifestyles.
- Hudson’s Bay Company — British company granted monopoly over trade in Rupert’s Land from 1670 to 1867.
- Beaver Wool — the soft underfur used for making fashionable felt hats in Europe.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Alfred Crosby’s article on ecological imperialism (as assigned).
- Prepare for discussion: How did native communities respond culturally to epidemic disease?
- Study maps of colonial New England, the Pequot War, and Rupert’s Land for upcoming quiz.