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) Newcomers

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.

Pros & Cons of Treaties Pros

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.

Cons 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. In groups of 5 decide on who is the one interpretor, two Xerons, and two Yondereons.

2. 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. I will now number you off in groups from 1-5, remember your number.

2. 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)