In this Book
- The Commerce of Louisiana During the French Regime, 1699-1763
- Book
- 2006
- Published by: The University of Alabama Press
summary
This volume reveals the wider scope of the French political and economic situation, as well as the minutiae of common barter and trade in Louisiana during the French Régime.
By the time French colonists sought a portion of the New World’s riches, much of those resources had already been claimed by Spain and Portugal. Once settled in North America, however, they quickly turned their attentions to commerce, specifically to trade within the Louisiana region. For almost 65 years French explorers, soldiers, administrators, and accountants focused on establishing a string of forts and small villages at key points in the Mississippi and Illinois River valleys, eastward to the Mobile River drainage, and westward toward New Mexico. Despite a long and costly war at home, for a time it looked as though the French would be successful in controlling a vast swath of the middle of North America with routes stretching from Quebec City to New Orleans.
By the time French colonists sought a portion of the New World’s riches, much of those resources had already been claimed by Spain and Portugal. Once settled in North America, however, they quickly turned their attentions to commerce, specifically to trade within the Louisiana region. For almost 65 years French explorers, soldiers, administrators, and accountants focused on establishing a string of forts and small villages at key points in the Mississippi and Illinois River valleys, eastward to the Mobile River drainage, and westward toward New Mexico. Despite a long and costly war at home, for a time it looked as though the French would be successful in controlling a vast swath of the middle of North America with routes stretching from Quebec City to New Orleans.
Under the guidance of leaders such as LaSalle, Joliet, Father Marquette, Frontenac, Hennepin, and Bienville, the French made a good start in the lucrative trading business and established working relationships with most of the Indians of the region. But by 1763, with war in Europe and a faltering economy at home, commerce in the New World eroded along with the ability of the French to control the region and to protect their investments from the encroachment of the Spanish and English.
Table of Contents
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- Introduction to the New Edition
- pp. 1-20
- Chapter I / Introduction
- pp. 21-31
- Chapter II / Waterways
- pp. 32-41
- Chapter III / Navigation
- pp. 42-54
- Chapter IV / Boats
- pp. 55-69
- Chapter V / Boats (continued)
- pp. 70-81
- Chapter VI / Highways
- pp. 82-96
- Chapter VII / Barter
- pp. 97-101
- Chapter VIII / Silver Coins
- pp. 102-107
- Chapter IX / Copper Coins
- pp. 108-114
- Chapter XV / The Slave Trade
- pp. 226-249
- Chapter XXI / Trade with Mexico
- pp. 388-406
- Chapter XXIII / Trade with Florida
- pp. 418-430
- Chapter XXIV / Trade with Cuba
- pp. 431-442
- Chapter XXV / Trade with the English
- pp. 443-463
- Bibliography
- pp. 464-476
Additional Information
ISBN
9780817384135
Related ISBN(s)
9780817352967
MARC Record
OCLC
650060121
Pages
507
Launched on MUSE
2012-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No
Copyright
2006