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FastFox1311

Hello,

What happened to the Hurons in 1648? What were the factors that led to their extinction?

Thank you,

Sarah G

Hello,

Excellent question! 

In 1609, Samuel de Champlain got allied with Hurons for fur trade. However, control of fur trade was at the heart of the conflicts between French and Iroquois. Indeed, Iroquois also wanted to have more furs to exchange with their allies (the Dutch) for European products. In 1609, French and their allies fought their first battle against Iroquois. For several years, attacks by the Iroquois Confederacy raged as the French, rather than fighting, attempted to establish peace accords and secure the colony. From 1641, the conflict escalated and from 1648 to 1650 the Iroquois attacked Huronia. The Hurons, weakened by epidemics and wars between clans, could not resist the enemy’s attacks. Moreover, while Holland supplied firearms to Iroquois, Hurons had very little, because the French refused to sell it to them. During this conflict, several Hurons and Jesuits were killed and Huronia was destroyed.

For more information, I invite you to consult our concept sheet on alliances and conflicts with Native people in the 17th century.

Feel free to write to us again if you have any other questions ! :)