May 26

The Northwest Rebellion

What are the causes of the Northwest Rebellion? (for each side)

It was caused by the Metis’ and Aboriginals’ fears about their land changing too quickly, and the White settlers of the West.

Summarize the battle of Duck Lake. (think CCC)

Lief Crozier and and 100 NWMP and citizen volunteers went over to Duck Lake to negotiate with Metis and Aboriginal rebels, the NWMP fired shots at the Metis and Aboriginals beginning the Battle of Duck Lake. The remaining NWMP and citizens fled back to Prince Albert in defeat.

How did Canada respond to the Battle of Duck Lake?

3,000 soldiers were sent by the government of Ottawa to incomplete CPR West, the 3,000 soldiers united with more troops, creating an army of 5,000 soldiers, which included Frederick Middleton.

What happened at Frog Lake? (think CCC)

Big Bear lost control of his own angry group, on April 1, and they took some Metis prisoner. Even Big Bear’s own 2 sons wanted revenge against the Canadian government. The next day they killed Thomas Quinn a federal Indian agent and 7 other people.

What happened at the Battle of Fish Creek? (think CCC)

General Middleton an 900 of his troop went to Batoche on April 23rd, while the rest of his troops went of to Swift Current. Metis wanted to fight but they couldn’t decide on if they wanted to defend their land or ambush them in Tourond’s Coulee. Reil and Dumont argued about this until coming to a decision of ambushing the Canadian troops. When Middleton’s men arrived at the ravine the rebels opened fire on them, Dumont’s men were winning the battle. Middleton an dhis men was forced to flee to the West Bank. The commanders of both sides decided to end the battle and the Battle of Fish Creek was won by the rebels.

What happened at Battleford (CCC)

May 1st, Colonel Otter takes his men West of Battleford, were they previously were. The Cree and Assiniboine confronted them, the Aboriginal forces had an advantage over the land, outnumbering Otter’s troops, after long hours of fighting eachother, Otter retreated his men, while the rebels reeived another victory.

How was the CPR significant to this rebellion?

Lots of troops used to unfinished railway to get around and aid in the attack of the rebels.

What happened at the Battle of Batoche? (think CCC)

May 9th, Middleman set off to Batoche to by ferry, but the Metis sabotaged the ferry by lowering the cable rendering it unusable to the Canadian forces. After that Middleman and his troops marched down to Batoche and attacked the Metis multiple times, losing each battle. Metis tired and low on ammunition gave up.

Why did the Metis lose the Battle of Batoche and why did the overall rebellion fail?

Canadian forces launched so many attacks that the Metis were forced to use up all of their ammunition, and after losing most of their men they were forced to give up and admit defeat.

How did Riel’s lawyers defend him?

Lawyers defended Riel with the argument that his religion made him unaware of his acts, the jury did not believe this however because of the wide spectrum of vocabulary he used to defend himself, he was sentenced to be hung for treason the few weeks that followed.

What happened to Gabriel Dumont, Louis Riel, Big Bear and Poundmaker?

Dumont returned to Canada after granted amnesty, Reil was hung for treason, Big Bear on Poundmaker were sentenced to 7 years in jail.