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The fur trade primarily stimulated exploration and colonization of tropical regions due to the high demand for exotic animal pelts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, the fur trade significantly stimulated the exploration and colonization of boreal, polar, and cold temperate regions, such as Siberia and northern North America, rather than tropical areas.
The fur trade began its significant decline in the 1830s due to changing fashions and decreased demand for beaver skin hats.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fur trade did begin its significant decline in the 1830s, largely due to changing fashions and a decreased demand for beaver skin hats.
What was the primary definition of the fur trade historically?
Answer: A global industry focused on the acquisition and sale of animal fur.
Explanation: The fur trade is defined as a global industry centered on the acquisition and commercial exchange of animal fur, particularly from boreal, polar, and cold temperate mammalian species.
Which regions were significantly stimulated for exploration and colonization by the historical fur trade?
Answer: Siberia, northern North America, and the South Shetland and South Sandwich Islands.
Explanation: The fur trade historically stimulated the exploration and colonization of regions such as Siberia, northern North America, and the South Shetland and South Sandwich Islands.
When did the fur trade begin to significantly decline, and what was a major contributing factor?
Answer: Starting in the 1830s due to changing fashions and decreased demand for beaver skin hats.
Explanation: The fur trade began its significant decline in the 1830s, primarily driven by changing fashions and a decreased demand for beaver skin hats.
Before European colonization of the Americas, Russia was a significant supplier of fur pelts to Western Europe and parts of Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to the European colonization of the Americas, Russia was indeed a major supplier of fur pelts to Western Europe and parts of Asia, with its trade developing in the Early Middle Ages.
The German city of Hamburg served as the primary trading market destination for Russian furs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The German city of Leipzig, not Hamburg, served as the primary trading market destination for Russian furs.
Kievan Rus' was the initial significant supplier for the Russian fur trade, exporting raw furs from martens, beavers, and other animals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kievan Rus' was the first significant supplier for the Russian fur trade, initially exporting raw furs from animals such as martens and beavers.
From the 17th through the mid-19th century, Russia was the world's largest supplier of fur.
Answer: True
Explanation: Russia held the position of the world's largest supplier of fur from the 17th century through the mid-19th century.
The fur trade was a minor economic activity in Siberia, with limited impact on its development.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fur trade played a vital and foundational role in the development of Siberia, the Russian Far East, and the Russian colonization of the Americas, becoming a cornerstone of the Siberian economy.
The city-state of Novgorod established trading posts and controlled much of the fur trade with Europe from as early as the 10th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: From as early as the 10th century, Novgorod's merchants and boyars exploited fur resources, establishing trading posts and controlling a significant portion of the fur trade with Europe, also serving as the chief fur-trade center for the Hanseatic League.
Novgorod acquired furs from native tribes primarily by purchasing them at established market fairs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Novgorod initially acquired furs by establishing trading posts along river networks and requiring the Komi people to provide furs as tribute, rather than purchasing them at market fairs.
The Grand Principality of Moscow gained control of the Russian fur trade by forming a strong alliance with Novgorod against common enemies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Grand Principality of Moscow gained control of the Russian fur trade by growing in power and eventually absorbing Novgorod and its vast hinterland, rather than forming an alliance.
Ivan IV's attack on the Khanate of Kazan in 1552 secured territory from the Volga to the Ural Mountains, significantly impacting the Siberian fur trade.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ivan IV's attack on the Khanate of Kazan in 1552 secured crucial territory from the Volga to the Ural Mountains, which was vital for the expansion of the Siberian fur trade.
Zimovye were large, permanent fortresses built by the Russian government to protect fur trading routes in Siberia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Zimovye were temporary outposts or winter lodges constructed by Russian traders for collecting fur tribute, not large, permanent government fortresses.
Furs were known as 'soft gold' in Russia during the 16th and 17th centuries because they were a primary source of wealth and hard currency.
Answer: True
Explanation: Furs were indeed called 'soft gold' in Russia during the 16th and 17th centuries, as they represented the largest source of wealth and provided the hard currency needed for European goods.
The Russian government generated income from the fur trade solely through the 10% 'Sovereign Tithing Tax' on fur pelts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Russian government generated income from the fur trade through two main taxes: the yasak (fur tribute) and the 10% 'Sovereign Tithing Tax'.
The yasak system required every male tribe member aged twenty or older to supply a fixed number of sable pelts to Russian officials.
Answer: False
Explanation: The yasak system required every male tribe member aged fifteen or older, not twenty, to supply a fixed number of sable pelts.
Promyshlenniki were Russian fur trappers who organized into bands called vatagi, which could be independent or funded by trading companies.
Answer: True
Explanation: Promyshlenniki were indeed Russian fur trappers who formed bands called vatagi, operating either independently or under the funding of trading companies.
Furs from Russian America were primarily sold to China through the port of Vladivostok.
Answer: False
Explanation: Furs from Russian America were primarily sold to China via the Mongolian trading town of Kyakhta, not the port of Vladivostok.
Before the European colonization of the Americas, which region was a major supplier of fur pelts to Western Europe and parts of Asia?
Answer: Russia
Explanation: Prior to European colonization of the Americas, Russia was a major supplier of fur pelts to Western Europe and parts of Asia.
Which German city served as the primary trading market destination for Russian furs?
Answer: Leipzig
Explanation: The German city of Leipzig served as the primary trading market destination for Russian furs.
What entity was the first significant supplier for the Russian fur trade?
Answer: Kievan Rus'
Explanation: Kievan Rus' was the initial significant supplier for the Russian fur trade.
From the 17th through the second half of the 19th century, what was Russia's position in the global fur supply?
Answer: The world's largest supplier
Explanation: From the 17th through the second half of the 19th century, Russia was the world's largest supplier of fur.
Which Russian city-state was instrumental in the early Siberian fur trade from the 10th century, establishing trading posts and controlling much of the trade with Europe?
Answer: Novgorod
Explanation: The city-state of Novgorod was instrumental in the early Siberian fur trade from the 10th century, establishing trading posts and controlling much of the fur trade with Europe, including its role as the chief fur-trade center for the Hanseatic League.
How did Novgorod initially acquire furs from native tribes?
Answer: By establishing trading posts and requiring furs as tribute.
Explanation: Novgorod initially acquired furs by establishing trading posts along river networks and requiring the Komi people to provide furs as tribute.
What strategy did the Grand Principality of Moscow use to challenge Novgorod's dominance in the fur trade?
Answer: It grew in power and eventually absorbed Novgorod and its vast hinterland.
Explanation: The Grand Principality of Moscow challenged Novgorod's dominance by growing in power and eventually absorbing Novgorod and its vast hinterland.
What significant territorial gain did Ivan IV make in 1552 that impacted the Siberian fur trade?
Answer: He attacked the Khanate of Kazan, securing territory from the Volga to the Ural Mountains.
Explanation: Ivan IV's attack on the Khanate of Kazan in 1552 secured territory from the Volga to the Ural Mountains, which was a significant expansion impacting the Siberian fur trade.
What were 'zimovye' in the context of the Russian fur trade?
Answer: Outposts or winter lodges built by Russian traders to collect fur tribute.
Explanation: Zimovye were outposts or winter lodges constructed by Russian traders as they moved into Siberia, serving as bases to collect fur tribute from indigenous tribes.
Why were furs considered 'soft gold' in Russia during the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer: They were Russia's largest source of wealth, providing hard currency for European goods.
Explanation: Furs were known as 'soft gold' because they were Russia's largest source of wealth, providing the hard currency necessary to purchase European goods.
What were the two main taxes through which the Russian government generated income from the fur trade?
Answer: The yasak and the 10% 'Sovereign Tithing Tax'.
Explanation: The Russian government generated income from the fur trade through the yasak (fur tribute) and the 10% 'Sovereign Tithing Tax'.
What was the 'yasak' system in the Russian fur trade?
Answer: A fixed number of sable pelts every male tribe member aged fifteen or older had to supply.
Explanation: The yasak system was a primary method for the Russian state to obtain furs, requiring every male tribe member aged fifteen or older to supply a fixed number of sable pelts.
Who were 'promyshlenniki' in the Russian fur trade?
Answer: Russian fur trappers who hunted in bands called vatagi.
Explanation: Promyshlenniki were Russian fur trappers who organized into bands called vatagi, operating either independently or funded by trading companies.
How were furs from Russian America primarily sold to China?
Answer: Via the Mongolian trading town of Kyakhta.
Explanation: Furs from Russian America were primarily sold to China through the Mongolian trading town of Kyakhta, which was opened to Russian trade by the 1727 Treaty of Kyakhta.
European interest in North American furs was primarily driven by the demand for exotic pet animals.
Answer: False
Explanation: European interest in North American furs was primarily driven by the demand for warm clothing and beaver wool felt hats, which were a valuable status symbol.
'Castor gras' pelts were highly valued by hat makers because the human oils from wearing them enhanced their felting properties.
Answer: False
Explanation: While 'castor gras' pelts were highly valued for their felting properties, the historical assumption that human oils enhanced felting is unlikely, as grease typically interferes with the process.
Captain Chauvin made the first organized attempt to control the fur trade in New France in 1599, acquiring a monopoly from Henry IV.
Answer: True
Explanation: Captain Chauvin did make the first organized attempt to control the fur trade in New France in 1599, securing a monopoly from King Henry IV.
The Dutch established fur trade relationships with the Huron and Iroquois peoples in the early 17th century, securing large economic returns.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dutch established trade relationships with the Mohawk and Mohican peoples, not the Huron and Iroquois, in the early 17th century.
England's access to high-quality furs in North America decreased after the takeover of New Amsterdam due to French competition.
Answer: False
Explanation: England's access to high-quality furs significantly increased with the takeover of New Amsterdam, which became New York, and its fur trade fell into English hands.
Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers were instrumental in establishing the Hudson's Bay Company by convincing English investors about the fur potential of Hudson Bay.
Answer: True
Explanation: Radisson and Groseilliers were indeed crucial in the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company by demonstrating the fur potential of Hudson Bay to English investors.
The deerskin trade in the Southern colonies was primarily based at the export hub of Savannah, Georgia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The deerskin trade in the Southern colonies was primarily based at the export hub of Charleston, South Carolina, not Savannah, Georgia.
European goods like metal axe heads were exchanged for beaver pelts at a rate that made the trade only marginally profitable for Europeans.
Answer: False
Explanation: The fur trade was extremely profitable for Europeans; a metal axe head exchanged for one beaver pelt in North America could purchase dozens of axe heads in England, indicating significant profitability.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued to encourage the sale of alcohol to Native Americans, as it was seen as a valuable trade commodity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued to prohibit the sale of alcohol by European settlers to indigenous peoples in Canada, aiming to mitigate negative consequences, not encourage sales.
What was the primary reason for European interest in North American furs, particularly beaver?
Answer: The need for warm clothing and beaver wool felt hats as a status symbol.
Explanation: European interest in North American furs, especially beaver, was primarily driven by the demand for warm clothing and beaver wool felt hats, which were a significant status symbol.
Who made the first organized attempt to control the fur trade in New France in 1599?
Answer: Captain Chauvin
Explanation: Captain Chauvin made the first organized attempt to control the fur trade in New France in 1599, acquiring a monopoly from King Henry IV.
Which European explorers were significant in expanding the French fur trade in North America by establishing relationships with Amerindians?
Answer: Samuel de Champlain, voyageurs, and Coureur des bois.
Explanation: French explorers such as Samuel de Champlain, voyageurs, and Coureur des bois were significant in expanding the French fur trade by establishing relationships with Amerindians.
How did the Dutch participate in the North American fur trade by 1614?
Answer: They sent vessels to establish trade relationships with the Mohawk and Mohican peoples.
Explanation: By 1614, the Dutch sent vessels to establish fur trade relationships with the Mohawk and Mohican peoples, securing large economic returns.
How did England gain increased access to high-quality furs in North America?
Answer: With the takeover of New Amsterdam, which became New York.
Explanation: England's access to high-quality furs significantly increased with the takeover of New Amsterdam, which became New York, and its fur trade fell into English hands.
What was the significance of Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers in the English fur trade?
Answer: They convinced English investors that Hudson Bay offered the best fur country, leading to the Hudson's Bay Company.
Explanation: Radisson and Groseilliers were instrumental in convincing English investors of the fur potential of Hudson Bay, which led to the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Where was the deerskin trade primarily based in the Southern colonies around 1670?
Answer: Charleston, South Carolina
Explanation: The deerskin trade in the Southern colonies was primarily based at the export hub of Charleston, South Carolina, around 1670.
Which of the following European goods were highly desired by Native hunters in exchange for pelts?
Answer: Axe heads, knives, cloth, and muskets.
Explanation: Native hunters highly desired European-manufactured goods such as axe heads, knives, cloth, and muskets in exchange for pelts.
Why was the fur trade so profitable for Europeans, even with seemingly equal exchanges for Native Americans?
Answer: The manufacturing cost of European goods was vastly lower than their perceived value in North America.
Explanation: The fur trade was highly profitable for Europeans because the manufacturing cost of European goods was significantly lower than their perceived value in North America, creating a vast profit margin.
What was the purpose of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 concerning the fur trade?
Answer: To prohibit the sale of alcohol by European settlers to the Indians in Canada.
Explanation: The Royal Proclamation of 1763 aimed to prohibit the sale of alcohol by European settlers to indigenous peoples in Canada, addressing negative social consequences of the fur trade.
The maritime fur trade primarily focused on acquiring furs from indigenous peoples of the Atlantic Northwest Coast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The maritime fur trade primarily focused on acquiring furs from indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska, not the Atlantic Northwest Coast.
Furs acquired during the maritime fur trade were mostly traded in Europe for highly sought-after Chinese goods.
Answer: False
Explanation: Furs acquired during the maritime fur trade were mostly traded in China for highly sought-after Chinese goods, which were then sold in Europe and the United States.
The British pioneered the maritime fur trade, expanding eastward along the Aleutian Islands.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Russians pioneered the maritime fur trade, expanding eastward from Kamchatka along the Aleutian Islands, not the British.
The most profitable furs in the maritime fur trade were those of the northern sea otter, Enhydra lutris kenyoni.
Answer: True
Explanation: The northern sea otter, Enhydra lutris kenyoni, was indeed the most profitable fur in the maritime fur trade.
What was the maritime fur trade primarily focused on acquiring from indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska?
Answer: Furs, primarily from sea otters and other animals.
Explanation: The maritime fur trade was primarily focused on acquiring furs, especially from sea otters and other animals, from indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast and Alaska.
What was the main destination for furs acquired during the maritime fur trade?
Answer: Beijing, China
Explanation: The main destination for furs acquired during the maritime fur trade was China, where they were exchanged for highly sought-after Chinese goods.
Which European power pioneered the maritime fur trade?
Answer: The Russians
Explanation: The Russians pioneered the maritime fur trade, expanding eastward from Kamchatka along the Aleutian Islands.
Which specific sea otter subspecies was most profitable in the maritime fur trade?
Answer: The Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)
Explanation: The most profitable furs in the maritime fur trade were those of the northern sea otter, Enhydra lutris kenyoni.
Interracial relationships between fur traders and high-ranking Indian women led to the emergence of the Métis culture in Canada.
Answer: True
Explanation: Interracial relationships between fur traders and high-ranking indigenous women were indeed a factor in the emergence of the Métis culture in Canada.
E.E. Rich argued that English economic rules were directly applicable to the Indian trade, as Native Americans shared similar conceptions of property.
Answer: False
Explanation: E.E. Rich argued the opposite, stating that 'English economic rules did not apply to the Indian trade' due to indigenous peoples' fundamentally different conception of property.
The Chinook Jargon, a pidgin trade language, developed during the maritime fur trading era in the Pacific Northwest.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chinook Jargon, a pidgin trade language, did indeed arise during the maritime fur trading era in the Pacific Northwest.
The maritime fur trade's profits helped transform New England from an industrial to an agrarian society.
Answer: False
Explanation: The maritime fur trade's profits helped revitalize New England, contributing to its transformation from an agrarian to an industrial society, not the reverse.
What socioeconomic benefit, beyond economics, did the fur trade often provide?
Answer: It served as a means to forge alliances and maintain good relations between different cultures.
Explanation: Beyond economic gains, the fur trade often provided political benefits, serving as a means to forge alliances and maintain good relations between different cultures.
What linguistic development arose during the maritime fur trading era in the Pacific Northwest?
Answer: The Chinook Jargon, a pidgin trade language.
Explanation: The Chinook Jargon, a pidgin trade language, developed during the maritime fur trading era in the Pacific Northwest.
How did the maritime fur trade affect New England's economic development?
Answer: Its profits helped revitalize the region, contributing to its transformation from an agrarian to an industrial society.
Explanation: The significant profits from the maritime fur trade helped revitalize New England, contributing to its transformation from an agrarian to an industrial society.
Today, the fur trade relies exclusively on pelts from regulated trapping, having completely phased out fur farms due to ethical concerns.
Answer: False
Explanation: The modern fur trade relies mainly on pelts from both fur farms and regulated trapping, and while controversial, fur farms have not been completely phased out.
The Indian Intercourse Act of 1790 regulated trade with Native Americans and required the Bureau of Indian Affairs to issue trading licenses.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indian Intercourse Act, first passed in 1790, regulated trade with Native Americans and mandated that the Bureau of Indian Affairs issue trading licenses.
Nova Scotia is the largest producer of mink and foxes in Canada's fur farming industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nova Scotia is indeed the largest producer of mink and foxes within Canada's fur farming industry.
California was the first and only US state to ban trapping for commercial and recreational purposes in 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: California became the first and, as of 2015, the only U.S. state to ban trapping for both commercial and recreational purposes.
What is a primary reason for the controversy surrounding the modern fur trade?
Answer: Concerns raised by animal rights organizations about animal cruelty.
Explanation: The modern fur trade is controversial due to concerns raised by animal rights organizations regarding animal cruelty, including brutal killings and skinning alive.
What was the Indian Intercourse Act, first passed in 1790, primarily designed to do?
Answer: Regulate trading with Native Americans in the United States.
Explanation: The Indian Intercourse Act, first passed in 1790, was primarily designed to regulate trading with Native Americans in the United States.
According to the Fur Institute of Canada, approximately how many active trappers are there in Canada, and what proportion are indigenous peoples?
Answer: 60,000 active trappers, with about 25,000 indigenous.
Explanation: The Fur Institute of Canada reports approximately 60,000 active trappers in Canada, with about 25,000 of them being indigenous peoples.
Which Canadian province is the largest producer of mink and foxes from fur farming?
Answer: Nova Scotia
Explanation: Nova Scotia is the largest Canadian province in the production of mink and foxes from fur farming.