What was the relationship like between Native Americans and the French in Early America?

by JustaSuta

I recall learning in my US History class that the French treated Native Americans a lot better than English settlers, mostly because they wanted trading posts and weren't looking to colonize the area. What did the two parties think of the other and did they treat each other ethically? When and why did the French withdraw from the area?

Way-Nerd

I highly recommend a book on just this topic: "The Middle Ground" , by Richard White. http://www.amazon.com/The-Middle-Ground-Republics-1650-1815/dp/0521183448

For High School history purposes, I would say that your statements are about right. The French and Indians got along for the most part, except for when they didn't. Usually representatives of both sides would work in good faith to find a compromise both could live with. The French finally left most of North America after losing some wars with the British, and ceded their claims to the British.