Colonial America

Indigenous Diversity

Security of colonial communities was challenged from outside forces and from within as growing populations competed for resources. The fur trade was a principal business enterprise throughout the colonial period that spurred social networking and numerous intercolonial quarrels with governors advancing interests of their factions of traders. Native American women and men held power and influence when they served as sachems (chiefs) in tribal federations. Settlers in New England and Virginia tapped into indigenous networks for advice and guidance in adapting to new lands. They were introduced to tobacco and maize, and Native Americans help to locate waterways and passes that opened the interior until the amicable relations deteriorated. One of the earliest means for networking was cornhusking, which took place after the corn was harvested at the stalk and at the ear, and taking it to a location where it was heaped as high as a man's head. The farmer would then invite from 50 to 100 neighbors of all kinds to help. The farmer would schedule the husking party to coincide with the full moon, to take advantage of the long light, and serve pumpkin pies, doughnuts, and refreshments.

Native American opposition to white settlers in rear-guard actions or in alliances with other European powers caused colonials to network in order to secure property and public safety. Men in the colonies gathered regularly for military training as militias to protect families and property from marauding Indians and the French; such activities became occasions for feasting and heavy drinking. Men also gathered informally for horse and hog races, bear baiting, and bowling on public greens. Men and women gathered to “raise” public meetinghouses; for cornhusking gatherings, dances (or frolics), and concerts; and to enjoy fireworks celebrating special occasions.

[Page 146]During the 17th century, Native Americans rose up against British colonials with Opechancanough's uprisings in Virginia (1622 and 1624), the Pequot War in New England (1637), the King Philip's War against the British (1672–76), and in the West, the Pueblo Revolt against the Spanish (1680). The Iroquois War (1684–89) and the Yamasee War (1715) were trade wars. However, Native American networking became increasingly related to colonial traders who provided firearms, metal traps, and other goods, so trapping and trade opportunities dictated tribal relations. The catastrophic effects of alcohol and disease on Native American life and traditions along with considerable pressure from whites led to an exodus of tribal networks from the New England region. For instance, as Iroquois tribal lands became depleted of fur-bearing game between 1644 and 1680, they moved westward from the Hudson River Valley to Illinois, displacing other tribes through territorial battles to gain hunting lands to meet demands for fur from colonists. The growing necessity of coping with attacks from Native Americans forced early experimentation with a colonial union, and the Confederation of New England came out of conflicts in Connecticut in 1643.

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