The fur trade refers to the business of buying and selling animal pelts, primarily for clothing and fashion. It began in the early 16th century, with European explorers and settlers trading with Indigenous peoples in North America. The demand for furs, especially from animals like beavers and otters, led to extensive trapping and hunting. As the fur trade grew, it significantly impacted economies and cultures. Companies like the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company played major roles in the trade, establishing trading posts and routes. Over time, the fur trade contributed to the expansion of European settlements and altered Indigenous lifestyles.