The Economic and Cultural Responses of the Native Indians by the Spanish and the French

The Economic and Cultural Responses of the Native indians by the Spanish and the French

After Columbus came across the new world in 1492, it caused several countries to take interest in the land, and sparked the creation of several colonies, and establishments. However, before 1750, countries such as France and Spain both responded in different ways. The French, for example responded in a way that both benefited them mutually, and the Spanish, they helped the native tribes in a way that benefited them culturally, but not so in a way economically, like the French. When the French arrived at the new world, they came in contact with the native tribe of the area, the Huron tribe. When the french arrived, they made a small settlement,called the colony of Quebec. Soon discovering the native tribe, the Huron, they respected their culture and religion, and respond without violence, and they even helped the tribe fight against the Iroquois tribes, even though the Colonists were threatened by the Iroquois. They also engaged in trade with the tribe, trading goods, such as knives and beads, for the ever growing fur trade, which was high in demand in France. Doing so also indirectly boosted the economy of the Native Americans, benefiting both sides of the trade. The French also never encroached on the land of the Natives, being respectful to the tribe, as well as the land, even though this may be because the Colonists were so few in number, But being so few in number also had it’s benefits as well. Compared to the British, they did not seem like invaders, but traders looking for fur. They also didn’t use violence to initiate trade with the Indians, they did not oppress them, and they openly shared ideas with each other, befriending the natives. The Spanish however, took a different approach to the new world. When the Spanish arrived in present day south america, they came across the Aztecs. When the Aztecs saw the horses and the guns, Moctezuma thought that Hernán was a god, because of this many rivals of the Aztecs teamed up with the Spanish conquistadors to fight the Aztecs. Responding to the situation, Hernan took control of Moctezuma, and ruled the Aztecs through him for several months. Under the rule of Hernan the Aztecs were robbed of their resources, destroying their economy. He also forced some of the Aztecs work in mines to get gold and silver for the Spanish people. Surprisingly, though the Spanish robbed the Native Americans of most of their resources, as well as enslaving them, the Spanish did not devastate their culture. They didn't end up devastating most of the culture because of intermarriage between both ethnic groups. Intermarriage between both the Spanish and the Natives of the area was not uncommon during this time period. The intermarriage between the 2 ethnic groups created the ethnic groups called mestizos. The creation of the mestizos created a cultural peace between the 2 groups. Over all, after the re-discovery of the new world, there have been mixed responses coming from the settlers in Europe. The French were a helpful group to the Natives of the area, especially to the Huron, helping them fight, as well as indirectly boosting their economy. The Spanish however were disruptive to the Aztecs, ruining their Economy, but keeping some of their culture by intermarriage between the 2 groups.