A center of the lucrative fur trade throughout the colonial period; the Great Lakes region was an important site of cultural as well as economic exchange between native and European peoples. In this well-researched study; Susan Sleeper-Smith focuses on an often overlooked aspect of these interactions―the role played by Indian women who married French traders.Drawing on a broad range of primary and secondary sources; she shows how these women used a variety of means to negotiate a middle ground between two disparate cultures. Many were converts to Catholicism who constructed elaborate mixed-blood kinship networks that paralleled those of native society; thus facilitating the integration of Indian and French values. By the mid-eighteenth century; native women had extended these kin linkages to fur trade communities throughout the Great Lakes; not only enhancing access to the region's highly prized pelts but also ensuring safe transport for other goods. Indian Women and French Men depicts the encounter of Old World and New as an extended process of indigenous adaptation and change rather than one of conflict and inevitable demise. By serving as brokers between those two worlds; Indian women who married French men helped connect the Great Lakes to a larger; expanding transatlantic economy while securing the survival of their own native culture. As such; Sleeper-Smith points out; their experiences illuminate those of other traditional cultures forced to adapt to market-motivated Europeans.
#1445489 in Books 1995-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.18 x 6.30 x 9.29l; #File Name: 1557500932369 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unsung Heroes of World War IIBy Neal J. FroeseI was in the Merchant Marines during the last months of WWII. I appreciate this history of the important part the Merchant Marines played in our victory.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. My dad; a Merchant Marine; was thrilled to receive this book!By WisteriaMy father often talked about his life as a Merchant Marine -- and along with the stories; he often expressed regret that they were not considered "sailors" or "military." He is now 86 and was absolutely thrilled to receive this book. His first words were: "Finally; we are being recognized. It took all this time." Thank you for telling the stories of these brave men. My father was NOT able to join the regular Navy because of an erroneous physical they gave him. Thus; he still wanted to help in WWII and he joined the Merchant Marines. These brave men were those who were more than willing to put their lives on the line -- in a military position that was not even recognized. To them; I say "Bravo!" Thank you for writing this book; it has given my father closure and gratitude for his years of service.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. an outstanding documentary of the merchant marine during world war twoBy JerryFor anyone interested in the role of the allied merchant marine and the price paid by those who served; this is an excellent book. This is not about romance or adventures ashore. The author does a good job of telling us of the hardships and tragedies; as well as the valor that occurred. I learned the answer to something I have long wondered about; that being ;why so many men who served in the merchant marine ; later served in the army. I also appreciated the overage he gave to the armed guard.The book is well written and well worth the read.
