Question

According to Calvin Martin, what happened to the population of beavers and other fur-bearing animals in different regions of North America after the indigenous people came into contact with Europeans?

Answer 1

Many indigenous peoples soon came to depend on the fur trade as their primary source of income and European-manufactured goods. However, by the mid-19th century changing fashions in Europe brought about a collapse in fur prices and led to the closure of several fur companies. Many indigenous peoples were plunged into poverty and consequently lost much of the political influence they once held.

The killings of beavers during the fur trade were devastating for the local beaver population. The natural ecosystems that came to rely on the beavers for dams, water and other vital needs were also devastated leading to ecological destruction, environmental change, and drought in certain areas. Following this beaver populations in North America would take centuries to recover in some areas, while others would never recover