Médard Chouart des Groseilliers
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Médéric Chouart des Groseilliers was a French explorer and fur trader who was active in North America during the 17th century. He is known for his extensive trading expeditions, often in partnership with his brother-in-law, Pierre-Esprit Radisson.1
Groseilliers and Radisson explored regions including present-day Wisconsin and the upper Mississippi River valley. Their activities were primarily focused on the fur trade, particularly the lucrative beaver trade, which was driven by the demand for beaver hats in Europe. Due to conflicts with French authorities over licensing and confiscation of furs, they also offered their services to the English, which contributed to the formation of the Hudson's Bay Company. Their explorations and reports on the fur wealth in the region were instrumental in establishing trade routes and posts, such as Moose Factory.12
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CanadaThe growth of Anglo-French rivalryIn the 1660s two voyageurs, Médard Chouart des Groseilliers and Pierre Esprit Radisson fled to New England, exasperated by the high cost of the long haul back to Quebec and by the heavy tax on fur pelts. From there they were escorted to England, where in 1668 they persuaded a…
Read MoreIn the 1660s two voyageurs, Médard Chouart des Groseilliers and Pierre Esprit Radisson fled to New England, exasperated by the high cost of the long haul back to Quebec and by the heavy tax on fur pelts. From there they were escorted to England, where in 1668 they persuaded a…
Read More- Native AmericanSubarctic and Arctic peoples
Pierre Esprit Radisson and Médard Chouart des Groseilliers, their pelts seized by authorities for the lack of a proper license, offered the English their services as guides to the region around Hudson Bay. The English hired the men and sponsored an exploratory voyage in 1668. The expedition was well…
Read MorePierre Esprit Radisson and Médard Chouart des Groseilliers, their pelts seized by authorities for the lack of a proper license, offered the English their services as guides to the region around Hudson Bay. The English hired the men and sponsored an exploratory voyage in 1668. The expedition was well…
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