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Jean Nicolet is generally not the first name that comes to mind as a key player with regard to the topic of French colonization of North America; that honor generally belongs to Samuel de Champlain.  However, Nicolet lived among numerous Indigenous nations, learned their languages and customs, and travelled with his Huron companions on the Great Lakes, landing west of Lake Michigan.  However, the details of Nicolet's adventure, along with the motivations for this journey,  have been misinterpreted for centuries, leading to a misunderstanding as to its true significance.  To explore French designs on North America with respect to how they differed from those of England and Spain, as well as a case study in deconstructing beliefs long accepted as fact, episode three of History: Beyond the Textbook explores Jean Nicolet: the Negotiator of New France.

Key People
Jean Nicolet, French interpreter
Samuel de Champlain, French explorer

Key Events
Establishment of New France

We're back for Season Four of History: Beyond the Textbook! This season will focus on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Federalist Era" in the years roughly 1789-1800. The first six episodes will release every Tuesday from October 28-December 2, while the second six episodes will be released every Tuesday from February 17-March 24. Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," Season Two, "America's Revolution," and Season Three, "America's Crucial Years," wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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