The Impact of the Fur Trade on the Development of British Columbia in the 18th and 19th Centuries
The fur trade played a significant role in the development of British Columbia in the 18th and 19th centuries. The beaver pelt, in particular, was highly sought-after in Europe, and it served as the main commodity of trade between European traders and the indigenous peoples of British Columbia. The fur trade brought European traders and explorers to the region, and it established a system of trade and commerce that would shape the region’s economy for years to come. The fur trade also had a profound impact on the indigenous peoples of British Columbia, as it led to the displacement of some communities and the loss of traditional ways of life.