Economic Activities and Systems of Alliances Notes 1.3

The Purpose of Trade The purpose of trade among Indigenous nations was to satisfy needs Allowed them to obtain natural resources that they could not find in their environment To establish alliances Two nations that were trading partners also became political and military partners Trade gatherings were opportunities to hold discussions about the renewal of alliances and the maintenance of peace between nations

Trade among Indigenous Nations Example: The Iroquoians traded pottery and agricultural products [corn, squash, beans, tobacco] with the Algonquians in exchange for meat and fur

Commonly Traded Items Copper Particularly valued by Indigenous peoples Easy to work with because it was quick to melt Used it to make tools and weapons such as: Hooks Needles Knives Arrowheads Commonly Traded Items

More Items of Trade 2. Shells 3. Obsidian Obsidian is a hard stone Shells were used to make jewellery and adornments Ex. belts and necklaces 3. Obsidian Obsidian is a hard stone It was used to make sharp, durable weapons and tools Obsidian Obsidian Spear Point A Shell Necklace

Trade Networks The Scope of Trade Networks Across the continent of North America large trade networks were established These vast trade networks facilitated the exchange of goods Trade Networks

The Use of Waterways and Forest Trails Indigenous trade often took place at the confluence of two waterways When navigation was impossible they used forest trails Indigenous peoples sometimes travelled very long distances over several weeks or even months to trade with other nations Definition: Confluence The place where two waterways meet

Systems of Alliances Several nations joined together for common goals They coordinated their actions to: Conduct trade Defend each other Fight a common enemy Maintain political relations

The Wampum Belt Wampum belts were presented with chiefs’ proposals during alliance meetings During negotiations, if a belt was presented to a nation and they took it, this meant that the proposal was accepted They were made of shells arranged in patterns on strips of leather Each element had a meaning Patterns, colors, symbols: communicated a specific message

Rivalry and War Tensions could arise between systems of alliances Due to hunting territory conflicts Competing for control over certain trade goods When nations demanded a toll for passing goods through its territory Failure to resolve these issues could lead to war Rivalry and War

Prisoners of War Fate of Prisoners Among Iroquoians: prisoners brought to the enemy's territory were sometimes adopted by a family to replace a deceased family member That person would start a new life in this nation Other prisoners were tortured and killed Prisoners of War