The Iroquois raids of the 5th and 6th decades of the 1600’s profoundly affected Tribal groups in Wisconsin by driving into their territory large numbers of Eastern Indians, who were soon followed by traders and the Jesuit missionaries. Because of the Iroquois raids, the Wisconsin tribes became increasingly dependent upon the traders for their weapons and ammunition; French garrisons were sent to build forts at strategic points; lead mines were discovered and opened for additional war supplies. Wisconsin became an important portion of the French empire in America.