Pre-European Times

Pays d’en haut

Area made up basically of Algonquin speaking
people, who opposed the Iroquois on the east &
opposed the Sioux on the west.
Middle Ground Develops


“The creation of the Middle Ground involved a
process of mutual invention by both the French
and the Algonquins.”
In the pays d’en haut, Indians and whites of
widely different social class and status had, for
a variety of reasons, to rely on each other in
order to achieve quite specific ends.
-Middle Ground, Richard White
Fur Trade develops

As we have already discussed in class, the fur
trade developed and became an intricate part
of the relations between Natives and at first
French, and then the British.
Changing alliances


As noted in our textbook, the British victory
over the French in the “French and Indian
War” led to a shift in power and alliances in
the middle ground.
Also note that as American Independence is
achieved, another shift of sorts takes place in
the alliances, and relationships of the middle
ground.
The need for land


Which brings us to the topic of land taking and
the treaties that would secure land from Native
people and give control of these lands to “new
comers”.
So let’s turn our focus to understanding what
treaties are.
Treaties:
What are They?
Definition



A treaty is a binding agreement under international law
concluded by subjects of international law, namely states and
international organizations. Treaties can be called by many
names: treaties, international agreements, protocols, covenants,
conventions, exchanges of letters, exchanges of notes, etc.;
however all of these are equally treaties, and the rules are the
same regardless of what the treaty is called.
Ugh….. Let’s try again!
A Treaty is an agreement between two nations.
Who were the key players?
(i.e. who are they made for?)


Native people(s)
New Comers
Why did treaties develop?
There are many different reasons for treaties to
be written:




In order to prevent war over disputed areas.
In order to gain ownership of an area of land.
In order to gain access to resources in a given area.
The list goes on and on.
Pro’s & Con’s of Treaties

Pro’s



Can be used in order to avoid major conflicts that
could lead to war.
Can help protect the rights of one or both parties,
by getting an agreement in writing.
Con’s


If not written clearly, misunderstandings can lead
to further disagreements.
Could be used to take advantage of other group.
Treaty Role-play

In small groups consider the following
situation, and how an agreement or treaty
could be drawn up to avoid possible conflict.
Situation #1




Where: A Newly discovered continent on what we will call
Planet X.
What: The Xerons on planet X have made a discovery of new
lands west of them across a vast body of water. When they
arrive they are met by residents they call the “Yondereons”.
The set-up: The Xerons, through their search were looking for
new lands for settlement because of their rapidly increasing
population. Upon finding this land, they claim that it really
belongs to them since it was a part of their destiny, etc…..
The problem: The “Yondereons” already have populated the
best areas on this continent, and need it for their way of life.
Situation #1 continued
Key players: Xerons, Yondereons, & Interpretor.
Your mission:


1.
2.
In groups of 5 decide on who is the one interpretor, two
Xerons, and two Yondereons.
As a group, try to work out a possible treaty or agreement
between the X’s & Y’s over the disputed land. But
remember, X’s & Y’s have their own needs to consider
first when it comes to these negotiations.
Role-play time

Listen carefully to the following directions:
1.
2.
I will now number you off in groups from 1-5,
remember your number.
I will then pass out information cards to each
interpretor, Xeron, & Yondereon. DO NOT LET
ANYONE ELSE SEE YOUR CARDS. THIS
IS INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU
WITH YOUR NEGOTIATIONS.
Role-plays taking place
during this time.




Note: I plan to give groups 10-15 minutes, or
more, to work on their negotiations. We will
then get back together and discuss:
How the treaty development went
If a treaty was settled & signed by both groups.
What problems arose, if any.
Large Group discussion time





In your groups be ready to discuss how your
negotiations went and if a treaty was
concluded.
So, let’s share your thoughts…
Now let’s talk basically about a couple of
treaties in Wisconsin:
Pine treaty of 1837.
Copper Treaty of 1842.
Treaty of 1837

The Pine Treaty – Officials sought this land to
enable lumbering on a large scale to take place
in these treaty areas.
Treaty of 1842

The Copper Treaty – Reports of vast copper
deposits along the shores of Lake Superior led
federal officials to push for land cessions from
the Chippewa Indians.
Wrap-up on Treaties



We have discussed and worked with the basics
of treaty making.
Hopefully you can now see how complex and
important documents like these can be, and
that they can have lasting effects on many
people.
Questions or comments???
Main Sources

The Middle Ground


by Richard White
Chippewa Treaty Right

by Ronald N. Satz, 1991
End of Power Point

Note to Oscar & Tony: This is the end of my
power point.

Thanks.
Les Dokkestul

Situation #1 –
Interpretor Role Card
Roles,resposibilities, & Private background
information.

Interpretor – Your job is to work out a
settlement between the 2 groups.

(Note: This will not be shown until after the
role play)
Situation #1 –
Xerons Role Card
Roles,resposibilities, & Private background
information.

Xerons – Your job is to find a way to obtain
more land & resources for settlement. Your
people need more land for settlements, and
for farming. You also need pine resources
for building homes, etc.

(Note: This will not be shown until after the
role play)
Situation #1 –
Yondereons Role Card
Roles,resposibilities, & Private background
information.

Yondereons – Your job is to work to protect
your lands from outsiders. Your group
depends on hunting & fishing for most of
your food. So protecting your forests,
streams, lakes, etc. is very important.

(Note: This will not be shown until after the
role play)