The French Argument for Imperialism Among the Native Americans
Your mission is to present a thorough explanation of the all of the benefits and advantages for
the Native Americans to submit to French leadership in the region surrounding Old Fort Niagara.
Document #1
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents 1610 to 1791
The Jesuit Relations, also known as The Relations des Jesuites de la Nouvelle-France, are early
ethnographic documents that chronicle Jesuit missions in New France. Covering a period of 200
years and beginning in 1611, the works were written annually and appeared in print beginning in
1632. The Jesuit Relations were reports from Jesuit missionaries in the field that were sent to
their superiors to update them as to the missionaries’ progress in the conversion of various
Native American tribes. Constructed as narratives, the original reports of the Jesuit missionaries
were subsequently transcribed and altered several times before their publication, first by the
Jesuit overseer in New France and then by the Jesuit governing body in France. The Relations
gradually became more focused on the general public as its readers, in terms of a marketing tool
to procure new settlers for the colonies, while simultaneously trying to gain the capital to
continue the missions in New France.
“The temperature of the atmosphere, which resembles that of France, added to those advantages
supplied by the waters and the earth, greatly facilitates the conversion of the savages. We have
reason to hope, therefore, that their capricious and peculiar disposition, of which we are about
to speak, will be the only obstacle to their blessedness.”
Questions to consider for your argument:
1. How is access to water mutually beneficial to both the French and the Indians?
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2. What are the advantages for the Indians should they accept French leadership and
organization?
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3. How might the Indians be able to assist the French should they accept French leadership?
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Document #2
On the Eve of Conquest
In 1754, Charles de Raymond, chevalier of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis and a
captain in the Troupes de la Marine wrote a bold, frank, and revealing expose on the French
colonial posts and settlements of New France. On the Eve of the Conquest, more than an
annotated translation, includes a discussion on the historical background of the start of the
French and Indian War, as well as a concise biography of Raymond and Michel Le Courtois de
Surlaville, the influential army colonel at the French court to whom the report was sent.
Raymond brings to light what he sees as administrative corruption, inconsistent practices of both
the church and the government regarding the brandy trade, and shortcomings of French relations
with allied Native people. He proposes reforms to improve the French position form the Great
Lakes Basin south to the Ohio River and east to Acadia. Raymond betrays his altruism in
offering to oversee the implementation of his program, as major in command at
Michilimackinac, or seigneur of Green Bay, or as "inspector general of the troops, garrisons, and
posts of the upper country."
Of all the means that can be used to keep the Indians on our side, there is none more effective
than giving them missionaries, because these missionaries by teaching them the principles of
religion hold them by the influence they acquire over their minds and render them more
peaceful….The Jesuit fathers are the most capable of leading the Indians. It is certain that they
serve both religion and the state equally well, and it is desirable that six come from France next
year.
Questions to consider for your argument:
1. How are missionaries advantageous to the Indians?
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2. Why are peaceful relations vital to both the French and the Indians?
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3. What concessions might the French the offer to the Indians to establish peaceful relations
and enable the Indians to be receptive to the work of the missionaries?
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Document #3
French-Indian Negotiations, Late 1600’s, In New France (Canada) and Tejas
(Texas): Three Accounts
In preparation for his first expedition to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, explorer
Sieur de La Salle planned to build a fort on the Niagara River. This account of the “embassy” to
the Iroquois to explain the planned fort is from Louis Hennepin, a Recollect (Franciscan)
missionary who accompanied the expedition
We told them farther, that we should provide them at the River Niagara with a Black-smith and a
Gun-smith to mend their Guns, Axes, and having no body among them that understood that
Trade, and that for their convenience of their whole Nation, we would settle those Workmen on
the Lake of Ontario, at the Mouth of the River Niagara We threw again among them seven or
eight Gowns, and some Pieces of fine Cloth, which they cover themselves with from the Waist to
the Knees. This was in order to engage them on our side and prevent their giving ear to any who
might suggest ill things of us, entreating them first to acquaint us with the Reports that should be
made unto them to our Prejudice, before they yielded their Belief to the fame.
Questions to consider for your argument:
1. What are the advantages for the Indians should they accept French leadership and
organization?
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2. What arguments might the French offer that will gain the allegiance of the Indians?
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Document #4
Jean Franquelin , map of North America (Carte de l’Amerique
Septentrionnale), 1688, detail including “Pays des Iroquois” (land of the
Iroquois)
Questions to consider for your argument:
1. What are the geographical advantages for the Indians should they form an alliance with
the French? Cite examples from the map!
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Document #5
Jean Franquelin , map of North America (Carte de l’Amerique
Septentrionnale), 1688, detail including “Pays des Iroquois” (land of the
Iroquois)
Questions to consider for your argument:
1. What are the geographical advantages for the Indians should they form an alliance with the
French? Cite examples from the map!
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