'Jesuits in North America in the 17th Century' Summary

Francis Parkman's "Jesuits in North America in the 17th Century" is a classic work of American history that recounts the story of the Jesuit missionaries in North America during the 17th century. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, Parkman provides a vivid and detailed account of the Jesuits' efforts to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, and the conflicts that arose between the Jesuits and the French colonial authorities. Parkman begins his narrative with a brief overview of the early history of the Jesuit order, and then turns to the arrival of the first Jesuits in North America in 1611. He follows the Jesuits as they establish missions among the Huron, Iroquois, and other Native American tribes, and describes the challenges they faced in converting the Native Americans to Christianity. Parkman also discusses the conflicts that arose between the Jesuits and the French colonial authorities, who were often suspicious of the Jesuits' influence over the Native Americans. Parkman's work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Americas, and it remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of the Jesuit missions in North America. Parkman's writing is clear and engaging, and he provides a wealth of detail about the Jesuits' lives and work. However, it is important to note that Parkman's work is a product of its time, and it reflects the biases and prejudices of the 19th century. Parkman's views on Native Americans, for example, are often condescending and paternalistic, and he often portrays the Jesuits as heroic figures who were unjustly persecuted by the French colonial authorities.