Native American Societies: Survival, Roles, and Structures

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Questions and Answers

How did the practice of sharing hunting territory among the Micmac bands contribute to their survival?

Sharing hunting territory ensured access to resources, especially when game was scarce in one band's area, helping to prevent starvation and maintain community bonds.

Describe the role of women in the Micmac society and why their contribution was essential.

Women's work was essential in the Micmac society. The text does not provide details on what this work was, but it was essential to their society.

Explain how the seasonal movements of the Plains buffalo hunters influenced their social structure and tribal gatherings.

Following the buffalo's seasonal migrations meant that the Plains peoples lived in smaller bands for much of the year but gathered as larger tribes for ceremonies, reinforcing cultural and political unity.

What role did military societies play in the social structure of the Plains buffalo hunters, and how did they contribute to tribal unity?

Military societies cut across bands, creating a unifying effect by bringing people together in a structured way. Had specific songs and dances. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the different methods used by the Plains buffalo hunters to hunt buffalo, and explain why these methods were effective.

They used methods such as isolating and surrounding, coral traps, and driving buffalo over cliffs. These methods were effective because they allowed hunters to trap and kill large numbers of buffalo at once. Signup and view all the answers

How did the reliance on sea animals and fish, particularly salmon, shape the economy and culture of the West-coast fishers?

The abundance of sea animals and fish, especially salmon, provided a stable food source that supported larger populations, complex social structures, and specialized technologies like boats and totem poles. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the availability of cedar and fir influenced the technology and material culture of the West-coast fishers.

Cedar and fir provided versatile materials for building boats capable of navigating coastal waters, constructing sturdy houses, and carving artistic and symbolic items like totem poles. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the leadership structures of the Micmac and the Plains buffalo hunters.

Both groups relied on leadership through persuasion, but the Micmac leadership was more informal and based on generosity, while the Plains hunters had societies and more emphasis on tribal unity. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that economic motives were not the primary driver of Iroquois attacks on the Huron?

W.J. Eccles noted that in the vast majority of raids, the Iroquois did not seize furs; in many cases, they were left to rot which indicates the goal was not primarily economic gain. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Jesuits' actions during Iroquois attacks contribute to the Huron's conversion to Catholicism?

The Jesuits' courage and resilience in the face of Iroquois attacks impressed the Huron and showcased the strength and conviction associated with the Catholic faith. Signup and view all the answers

Besides religious conversion, what economic and military advantages did the Huron gain by aligning with the French?

The French offered Christian Huron better prices for furs and supplied them with more guns, enhancing their economic standing and military capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two main Huron factions that emerged in the 1640s, and what did each advocate for in terms of relations with the French and Iroquois?

The two factions were the pro-French party, which sought to maintain relations with the French, and the Traditionalists, who resented French influence and sought alliance with the Iroquois. Signup and view all the answers

According to W.J. Eccles and Dale Miquelon, what was the primary motive behind the Iroquois attacks on the Huron, and how did this relate to their own security?

They argue that the Iroquois sought tribal security by creating territorial buffer zones and ensuring their own survival, driven by a sense of being surrounded by enemies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the end of epidemics among the Huron contribute to the success of missionary efforts?

With the end of the epidemics, the suspicions that the priests caused the epidemics were eliminated which removed a major barrier to the missionary work. Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate fate of the Huron after the Iroquois attacks in 1649?

After the attacks, the Huron were forced to flee their homeland. Many died from attacks or starvation. Some were absorbed into Iroquois tribes and tribes of Huron allies, while a few resettled near Quebec. Signup and view all the answers

How did parallels between Catholicism and Huron religion make Christianity more appealing?

Catholicism's rituals and messages, especially the belief in the afterlife and the power of prayer, resonated with existing Huron beliefs, making the transition to Christianity easier. Signup and view all the answers

According to Daniel Richter, what was the primary purpose behind Iroquois attacks on other nations, such as the Huron?

To take captives and absorb them into Iroquois society to compensate for population losses. Signup and view all the answers

What was Bishop Laval's stance on the liquor trade with Indigenous peoples, and who opposed him?

Bishop Laval tried to stop the liquor trade. The fur trade company and the governor opposed him. Signup and view all the answers

How did the fall of Huronia create new economic opportunities for New France?

It created a market for French agricultural products and forced the French to find new sources of fur inland. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Marguerite Bourgeoys play in the development of New France?

She began a school in Montreal and founded a teaching community, which reduced illiteracy in the colony. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the French hesitant to supply the Huron with more guns, even though they were allies?

The French feared that the Huron would destroy the Iroquois, diverting some of the Huron's trade away from the French. They also underestimated the Iroquois' strength and overestimated Huronia's strength. Signup and view all the answers

Besides the Huron, what other Iroquoian nations were destroyed by the Iroquois?

The Petun, Erie, and Neutral. Signup and view all the answers

Many scholars suggest that religious tensions among the Huron weakened their ability to defend themselves. What counter evidence exists to dispute this claim?

The Iroquois also destroyed other Iroquoian nations (Petun, Erie, Neutral) that had little contact with Jesuit missionaries. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Iroquois have on the St. Lawrence settlement, and what years were they most active?

The Iroquois attacked the St. Lawrence settlement because they could not control the northern fur trade. They were most active from 1650-1653, capturing or killing 55 colonists. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two specific responsibilities held by women in Woodland/Subarctic communities.

Women in Woodland/Subarctic communities were responsible for setting up camp and preparing hides. Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of the horse impact the role and status of women in Plains buffalo hunting societies like the Siksika?

The arrival of the horse increased the number of buffalo killed, enhancing the economic value of women as processors. However, it also led to increased polygamy and a lower status for some women. Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of Haida women in trade differ from that of Salish women in community decision-making?

Haida women were active traders and shrewd negotiators, and a wife's consent was needed for trade deals. In contrast, Salish women had little input into community decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast the inheritance practices of the Haida with the marital residence customs of the Salish.

Among the Haida, property was inherited through the female line, contrasting with the Salish, where women lived in their husband's village after marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Provide two examples of activities typically performed by Woodland/Subarctic women.

Woodland/Subarctic women would snare animals and weave baskets. Signup and view all the answers

Although most Haida women had little political power, what was one exception to this?

A wife's consent was required for trade deals. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how increased male casualties from mounted warfare impacted the status and marriage practices of Siksika women.

Increased male casualties led to increased polygamy, which lowered the status of some Siksika women. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one way that the social hierarchy could be seen within Siksika society.

Siksika chiefs and shamans often had more wives and larger tipis compared to other men. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the potlatch functioned as more than just a “gift giving and social event” for Indigenous groups like the Kootenay, Salish, and Athapaskan speakers.

The potlatch served to inaugurate new chiefs, mourn the dead, and confirm social status within the community. It was a critical part of their social structure, reinforcing roles and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In what key ways did certain Indigenous groups, such as the Kootenay, Salish, and Athapaskan speakers, resemble the Plains peoples over the West Coast peoples, particularly in aspects beyond reliance on salmon?

These groups had more contact with the Plains peoples, sometimes hunting together. Their way of life, social structure and culture mirrored the Plains peoples more closely than their West Coast counterparts. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the Inuit adapted their technology and lifestyle to the harsh Arctic environment, including specific examples of tools, transportation, and housing used.

The Inuit adopted and created technologies like kayaks and large skin-covered boats for summer hunting and whaling. They used dog sleds for winter travel and built wood-framed houses in the summer and igloos in the winter, following the migration of animals like seals, whales, and caribou. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Indigenous peoples' spiritual beliefs influence their relationship with the environment, and what practices did they employ to maintain spiritual harmony?

They saw no distinction between humans and the environment, believing animals and objects had spirits that needed appeasement. They strived to access the spirit world through vision quests, shamans, and religious societies, which maintained balance and resources. Signup and view all the answers

In Great Lakes societies, how were gender roles divided concerning property control and political decision-making?

Women controlled households and most of the property, with inheritance through the female line. Men hunted, built houses, and filled political offices; leading women selected chiefs, but men primarily made important decisions on councils. Signup and view all the answers

Consider the social organization of Inuit communities. How did their leadership structure adapt depending on the season, and why was this flexibility important for their survival?

Inuit leadership was largely informal and temporary throughout the year. However, during the summer, village leaders took charge of whale hunting crews. This adaptability was crucial for coordinating large-scale hunts necessary for survival. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the Inuit people integrated both land and sea resources into their hunting practices? Provide examples of specific resources and the technologies used to acquire them.

The Inuit integrated both land and sea resources by hunting land animals like caribou and sea mammals like seals and whales. They used kayaks and large skin-covered boats for whaling in the summer and followed the migration of their food sources. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the roles of Indigenous women in Great Lakes societies reflect a balance of power between genders, especially regarding economic and leadership responsibilities?

Indigenous women in Great Lakes societies held control over households and most property, with inheritance through the female line, demonstrating economic power. They also influenced leadership by selecting chiefs, indicating their role in societal governance, even though formal political decision-making primarily rested with men. Signup and view all the answers

Prior to the 1660s, what was the primary reason for the conflicts between the French and the Iroquois?

The Iroquois interfered with French trade and expansion, leading to frequent skirmishes and attacks on French settlements. Signup and view all the answers

How did the French military strategy evolve from the early conflicts with the Iroquois to the late 17th century, and what impact did this have?

Initially, the French relied on European tactics, but later adopted Indigenous guerrilla warfare techniques. This shift, combined with troop reinforcements, ultimately gave them an advantage over the Iroquois. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the decline of the Iroquois Confederacy's power in the late 17th century?

War casualties, the spread of disease, defections of Christian Iroquois to missions near Montreal, and displacement by groups like the Ojibwa weakened the Confederacy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the 1701 peace treaty between the French and the Iroquois. What were the key terms, and what long-term impacts did it have?

The Iroquois pledged neutrality in future colonial wars between France and England. This ensured that New France would no longer face a major threat from Indigenous groups. Signup and view all the answers

How did the actions of Governor-General Frontenac impact the relationship between the French and the Iroquois?

Frontenac launched aggressive military campaigns against the Iroquois, burning villages and destroying crops, which intensified the conflict but ultimately led to a shift in power dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the Iroquois to attack Lachine in 1689, and what was the outcome of this attack?

The attack on Lachine was in retaliation for French incursions into Iroquois territory. The Iroquois killed over 100 colonists and took 90 prisoners. Signup and view all the answers

How did the French colonists view Madeleine de Verchères, and what does her story reveal about the challenges faced by frontier settlers in New France?

She became a symbol of French-Canadian resilience. Her story highlights the constant threat of attack and the need for resourcefulness and bravery among settlers. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of Christian missions in the conflict between the French and the Iroquois. How did these missions both alleviate and exacerbate tensions?

Missions provided refuge for some Iroquois, leading to defections and weakening the Confederacy. However, they also created divisions within the Iroquois and resentment from those who maintained traditional beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Micmac Leadership

Leadership was informal; winter bands had a leader based on hunting skill.

Decision-making in Micmac

Decisions were made collectively, emphasizing persuasion over force.