Fur War: The Political, Economic, Cultural and Ecological Impacts of the Western Fur Trade 1765-1840

The animal fur trade played a key role in the development and ultimate ownership of lands and resources on the West Coast of North America. Yet it is often neglected in histories and understanding of the west. In California classrooms it is skipped almost entirely.

The players in this complex conflict included Russia, Great Britain, America, France, Spain, Mexico, Hawaii, and the many First Nations whose lands it had been. At times the fur trade was incredibly profitable and helped make som...