Background
The Mississippi River has played an integral part in not only the history of the United States, but also that of the entire world. From its foray as a trade route to its central role in public transportation to its economic importance, it has been a part of the ever-changing ecosystem for centuries. However, the river’s lands and waters, have not just been shaped by humans, but also the power struggles that have taken place around the rights to them. Indeed, there have been two groups with land claims on the Mississippi: Native Americans and French-Canadian fur traders.
Native Americans
The Mississippi River and its environs of course had a role in Native American culture prior to the arrival of Europeans. Nations, such as the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez, had made the river their home in the 16th century. This is evident in their language, which is embedded with words relating to the major tributaries of the river. Consequently, when the French colonized the area in the 18th century, they had to negotiate with the Native American tribes to secure a trading agreement. This proved to be less than successful and resulted in several conflicts, where the Native Americans attempted to remove the Europeans from the area, as well as reclaim their rights to the land.
French-Canadian Fur Traders
France laid claim to the Mississippi River and its tributaries in the 18th century and in doing so, also annexed parts of Canada. Therefore, not only were the French actively trading in the region, but also French-Canadian fur traders. This was due to the demand for fur that had been created in the Old World, specifically Europe and Asia. By the mid 1700s, the fur trade industry was worth an estimated £24 million, with 90% of all items coming from the Mississippi River. Consequently, where there was demand, there was competition between Native Americans and French-Canadian traders. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of tension and resulted in several skirmishes throughout the region.
Interactions Between French and Native Americans
Throughout their interactions, both the French-Canadians and Native Americans had different motivations for being on the Mississippi River. The French-Canadians were traders, motivated by economic gain, while the Native Americans were likely looking to protect their claims to the land. Unfortunately, this did result in aggressive behavior on both sides, due to a lack of understanding between the two groups. For example, the French-Canadians viewed the Native Americans as their ‘main antagonists’, due to how they were routinely harassed by them. Likewise, the Native American tribes saw the French-Canadians as being ‘usurpers’ of their land.
Outlook of Native Americans on the Mississippi
By the start of the 19th century, the outlook of the Native Americans on the Mississippi had changed somewhat, due to their persistent exposure to the French-Canadians. Whereas previously their interactions were limited to casual trading, now it had become more of a cultural exchange. In many ways, this was beneficial for the Native American tribes, as it allowed them to gain a better understanding the French-Canadians and their intentions.
In addition, the French-Canadians had seen the value of being on the Mississippi. They had built ships, trading posts, forts and established relationships with many of the Native American tribes. However, this does not necessarily mean that the Native Americans had been taken advantage of or exploited by the French-Canadians. Rather, there was an understanding that in order to prosper, both groups had to cooperate, which is why treaties regarding the rights to the river were soon written and signed.
Overview
In summary, there were two groups with land claims on the Mississippi River: Native Americans and French-Canadian fur traders. Both desired the river for different reasons, with the French-Canadians wanting to further their economic goals, and the Native Americans seeking to protect their homeland. There was tension between the two groups, but eventually an understanding was reached, allowing them to peacefully co-exist.
Conflicts Between French and Native American Groups
Throughout the history of the Mississippi River, there have been several conflicts between the two main groups claiming it. For instance, in 1717 the French-Canadians of Louisiana launched an attack on the Natchez, who had been consistently harassing the former’s trading parties on routes to New Orleans. This resulted in a full-scale war, with both sides suffering massive losses. Similarly, in 1764, the Chicasaw tribe, supported by some French-Canadians, make a stand at Fort Toulouse against the British during the French and Indian War. This was done in hopes of protecting the tribe’s claims to the Mississippi River.
Injunctions
To keep the peace between French-Canadians and Native Americans, the French issued several injunctions, outlawing any hostile acts between the two groups and granting the natives certain lands. For instance, in 1763, the Treaty of Paris granted the Natchez, who had been at war with the French-Canadians, control of the lands between their village of Wecamsas, and the Osage River. This not only ensured there was no further conflict between the two sides, but also solidified the Natchez’s claims to the Mississippi River.
Living in Harmony
From the early 18th century, the French-Canadian fur traders, and the Native Americans had been engaged in a power struggle over the Mississippi River and its associated lands. This had resulted in several skirmishes and a few large-scale wars. However, eventually there was at least some semblance of harmony between the two, due to the numerous treaties and peace talks that had been held. This not only allowed the French-Canadians to achieve their economic goals, but also allowed the Native Americans to protect their homeland.
Role of the Military
The role of the military in all of this cannot beunderstated. Not only was it instrumental in helping tokeep the peace and enforce the numerous treaties, but itwas also an important part of the history of the river. For example, the French-Canadian fur traders used the military to secure and protect their interests in the region, while the Native Americans were just as quick to use the military to protect their claim to the lands.
Purpose of the Treaties
The treaties that had been made and signed between the French-Canadians and Native Americans was not only instrumental in allowing them both to peacefully co-exist, but also in solidifying their respective rights to the Mississippi River. This was done in order to ensure thatthe area was able to prosper and be used to its fullest potential. Therefore, regardless of the numerous skirmishes that had taken place throughout the region, the treaties had guaranteed the Native Americans claim to the river, as well as allowing the French-Canadians to further their economic interests.
Political Impact
The treaties that were eventually agreed upon had a profound impact on the politics of this period. Not only did they set a precedent for negotiations between Europeans and Native Americans in North America, but they also had an influence on the political landscape of the region. For example, it was through these agreements that certain lands were ceded to the Native Americans and certain rights were granted to them. In this way, the French-Canadians and Native Americans were able to collaborate and mutually benefit from their respective claims to the Mississippi River.
Modern Impact
The impact of these treaties is still felt today.Indeed, their legacy can be seen in the increasing number of Native American casinos, which are now common features of many of the towns and cities along the Mississippi River. In addition, the treaties also have a strong presence in the various educational initiatives and organizations that are devoted to preserving the story of the Native Americans and their quest for the rights to the river.
Social Impact
As well as having an economic and politicalimpact, the treaties had a social impact on the region. The treaties allowed Native American tribes to assume more control over the Mississippi River and its tributaries, which allowed them to practice their social customs and religions, as well as maintain their way of life. This had an immense impact on their communities and on the different cultures of the region in general. Furthermore, these treaties also allowed the two sides to come to an understanding regarding their respective claims to the river and it is through this understanding that harmony was able to be achieved.
