ORIGIN
The Red River Rebellion was a very important event in Canadian history, as cultures clashed, companies fought, and heroes and villains emerged from both side. Despite its seemingly violent history, it originated from a seemingly selfless act. Thomas Douglas, who was he Fifth Earl of Selkirk, felt a genuine sense of sorrow and empathy, as poor tenant farmers were being evicted from their homes. Wool was very profitable, and so lands were enclosed so sheep could graze, and the poor farmers were forced to leave. Lord Selkirk, being the director of the HBC (Hudson Bay Company), sought to hit two birds with one stone, as with one fluid action, he would solve the food crisis of the HBC, and the needs of the now evicted farmers. He discovered that the soil in the Red River Valley was especially fertile, and the evicted farmers could farm the land and the HBC would also benefit with having a closer food source compared to England. So it was decided, the HBC gave Selkirk 300, 000 square kilometers of land for his ambitious project.
FAILURE
To the farmers dismay, the land they were promised was still wild, and had to be cleared of trees. Hard work and determination was of little significance, as the crops they had sown in the spring had failed. Sheltering in Fort Pembina, the settlers were met with greater success, it still wasn't enough to guarantee a stable food supply. Miles Macdonell, the leader of the expedition, feared that the future of the colony would be lost if they didn't act fast. Thus, despite being warned by Selkirk to stay clear of the NWC (North West Company) the 'Pemmican Proclamation' was issued.
RESISTANCE
The Pemmican Proclamation effectively banned the export of all pemmican in the Red River Valley, thus cutting off the Metis from a key source of income. The relied on their sales of pemmican to the NWC, the HBC's rival, and this proclamation infuriated them. They started their onslaught of harassment, burning the colonist's barns, trampling on their crops, and disturbing them in their sleep. Unable to tolerate this any further, the colonists left, only to return by the summer's end. Colin Robertson took command of the situation, and in the interests of both parties, declared peace. This peace would not last long, as both sides started preparing for what seemed like in inevitable war.
FIRST RAID
In May 1816, Cuthbert Grant led a small group of Metis to the Assinibione River, where they raided a brigade of HBC boats. They seized a hefty quantity of pemmican, as this action was viewed as a direct attack on the HBC's authority in the area. Grant would arrive at the colony in one month, this time with a team of better armed and trained soldiers, as war loomed over the horizon.
DISCRIMINATION
The Metis being of French and Native descent, were viewed as animals by the more 'sophisticated' and 'well-bred' English. They had been constantly discriminated against by the settlers, who felt that talks and negotiations with the Metis was a waste of time, as they couldn't understand civility. These thoughts propelled Grant to lead his team and attack the colony in an all-out war. Brute force was the only thing they could understand.
WAR
It lasted only 15 minutes, but those 15 minutes would carry an effect so large, it would be felt for many years to come. The Metis were far better armed and disciplined than the settlers, who despite their superior weapons, soon fell quickly. Thanks to a pincer type of attack, Semple and 20 of his men were soon killed, compared to only one Metis. The colonists retreated to Jack River House, and the colony was once again destroyed. The war between the HBC and the NWC, had been started.
RAGE
Once Lord Selkirk became aware of the situation, he was infuriated. He travelled west from Monteal, with an army of 95 Swiss Mercenaries, the finest warriors at their time. He took control of the NWC depot of Fort William. and under the protection of the Mercenaries, the colonists started once again.
PEACE
Peace came in the form of treaties and negotiations this time in the spring of 1817, as Selkirk and the Ojibwa and Cree tribes settled on a deal. In exchange of giving them 100 pounds of tobacco a year, the colonists would be allowed to have the land of the Red River Valley. Selkirk left with peace of mind, feeling that the matter had been dealt justly. What could've been a long and lengthy war was settled peacefully, as this matter set a major precedent for any future conflicts, should the need arrive.
PROUD
This moment in Canadian history was very glorious in the fact that it was settled peacefully. Canadians are known for their politeness, and this fact can be seen as far back as 1817. Despite having control over 95 Swiss Mercenaries, Lord Selkirk did not take complete control of the area thorugh war, but rather negotiated on the terms of both parties. This resulted in more people feeling satisfied with how things had been done, and ensured that the colony would have a bright future.
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