Trade and Economy
"Long before European contact the Iroquois, as mentioned above, were involved in an intricate trade network with other native groups. Clay pipes were an important trade item that reached other native groups all along the east coast of North America. The aggressive behavior the Iroquois exhibited toward their neighbors during the fur trade period has been interpreted by some as the result of their aim to protect and expand their middleman role. Others have suggested that the behavior was related to the scarcity of furs in their own territory and the resulting difficulty in obtaining European trade goods. According to this theory, the Iroquois warred primarily to obtain the trade goods of their neighbors who were in closer contact with Europeans. After the center of fur trading activities had moved farther west, the Iroquois continued to play an important role as voyagers and trappers."
http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Iroquois-Economy.html
The Iroquois engaged in trade with other nations in their leagues.Tribes would engage in trade with other nations for sources not abundant to there area. Iroquois traded with Europeans by trading valuable goods, like beaver pelts.In the early days of the fur trade Iroquois became very important middle man between northern forest tribes and Europeans. Having valuable sources like beaver pelt abundant in there area opened up a whole new world to the Iroquois.With there trade getting stronger with other nations and European settlers it allowed them to generate more money and economic power.
http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Iroquois-Economy.html
The Iroquois engaged in trade with other nations in their leagues.Tribes would engage in trade with other nations for sources not abundant to there area. Iroquois traded with Europeans by trading valuable goods, like beaver pelts.In the early days of the fur trade Iroquois became very important middle man between northern forest tribes and Europeans. Having valuable sources like beaver pelt abundant in there area opened up a whole new world to the Iroquois.With there trade getting stronger with other nations and European settlers it allowed them to generate more money and economic power.