1) Why did First Nations women marry French-Canadian fur traders?

First Nations women aimed to marry French-Canadians, for it would create loyalty and economic ties between the European traders and the First Nations of the land. In addition, it would also create social interactions that would benefit the industry,

2) Which company (HBC or NWC) would be more likely to be working with the Metis and why?

The North West Company did not oppose multi-cultural weddings, and truly praised and encouraged these weddings, for they believed it benefit both the NWC and the Metis. However, the Hudson’s Bay Company did not approve of the concept, for they believed First Nations are too dependant on Europeans, and they would drain and ruin the economy.

3) What is the difference between “Metis” and “Country Born”?

Metis are people who are half French and half First Nations, and Country Born are half British and half First Nations. Today, many people use the term Metis for both.

4) In what ways did the Metis adopt French Culture?

The Metis adopted many aspects of the French culture, such as the language, clothing, technology, religion and ways of life. The Metis took on multiple french nouns in their language, and took on the use of guns. Catholicism was also adopted from the French, as way the European ways of farming.

5) What role did the Metis play in the fur trade?

The Metis played an important role of providing food for the NWC fur traders. The Metis would go on buffalo hunts, and provide long lasting pemmican for the people.

6) Explain why the buffalo hunt required skill.

Buffalo hunts required a lot of skill, for they were required to do multiple tasks at once. As one was riding a horse, they were required to carefully place ammunition into the barrel of a gun, insuring it rests in place. As they were riding on the uneasy road, they would attempt to target their aim at a wild buffalo nearby.

7) How did the buffalo hunt include all of Metis Society?

Buffalo hunts were an necessary activity which involved each individual in a Métis society. To begin, the men were known as the hunters of the family, and were required to ride their horses and go hunt for food. Afterwards, the entire family was in charge of butchering and cleaning the buffalo. To finish of the procedure, the woman and children of the family would assist in the transportation of the goods, by travelling in Red River Carts to send the goods to where they must be sent.

 

8) Were the Metis closer to the French or the First Nations people? Explain.

Personally, I believe that the Métis were much closer to the French, for the entire base of their lifestyle was shaped around the lifestyle’s of the French civilians. Firstly, the Métis language has been adapted and improved with new words, due to the connection they had with the French. Also, the Métis were able to successfully divide off their land with the knowledge of the French Seigneurial System. With the land, the Métis became to follow the ways of the French, and adopted their knowledge of farming, for farming was a very commonly known European activity. Other aspects that the Métis were thankful in overtaking were: Catholicism, use of guns, and new clothing styles.

Guiding Questions for Aboriginal Fur Trade:

1) How were Aboriginal people depicted in early accounts of the fur trade?

Aboriginal people were depicted as playing a minor role and were “hopelessly dependent” on the European’s for their technology and supplies. Aboriginals played a minor role in the fur trade industry, and people believed that Aboriginals simply wanted to gain material wealth.

2) What does newer evidence show to be more accurate about Aboriginals in the fur trade?

Current evidence depicts the Aboriginals as valuing the fur trade for more than a simple “business enterprise.” Instead, it was considered a ‘socio-cultural complex,’ and the purpose of trading was to gain social interaction and share ideas.

3) In what ways did Europeans adapt to Aboriginal economic traditions?

Europeans were introduced to the concept of often giving gifts, for it was a central part of the trading process. Also, the disorganization of a non-set currency was not applicable to the European culture, so Europeans were required to learn how to barter with the Aboriginals. They created a standardized currency, valuing materials and goods based off their value in comparison to a beaver pelt. Another adaptation was grasping onto some knowledge of the Aboriginal language, in order to improve trade.

4) Why did Europeans have to adapt to Aboriginal commerce?

If they Europeans did not adapt to Aboriginal commerce, they would not be given the opportunity to trade goods with the Natives. The Europeans depended on the smart hunters of the Aboriginal tribes to provide pelts for them. In addition, if Europeans wished to trade and receive goods, they were obligated to adapt and partake in a gift giving ceremony, which would occur before any trading has commenced.

5) How would you characterize Cree and Assiniboine economic ability and methods?

The Cree and Assiniboine truly strived to do what is best for their economy. They would make adaptations to maximize the amounts of beneficial outcomes for themselves, and they were always considered “ecologically flexible.”

6) After 1670, how did the Cree and Assiniboine show their economic flexibility?

To assist the Europeans, the First Nations became middle men, and would travel closer to ports and areas that the Europeans would travel towards.

7) How would you describe the Cree and Assiniboine inland trade strategies?

The Cree and Assiniboine were able to maintain power, and attempted to monopolize their industry for a long period of time.

8) How and why did the Aboriginal middlemen’s role change in the late 18th century?

During the middle of the 1700’s, the Cree and Assiniboine shifted their focus from solely depending on fur trade, and began to exchange and barter dried meet. The Natives hunted buffalo, in order to provide food for the Europeans. A major food source the Natives produced was Pemican, a dried buffalo meat kept in a fur bag with oils.

9) How did the Cree and Assiniboine retain independence from European technologies?

Although many accounts believe that the Aboriginals were extremely dependant on the Europeans, evidence shows an opposite view. The First Nations easily could have been dependant European technology and use solemnly their guns for hunting. However, many times the guns were not suitable for their situations, so the Natives were independent, and were able to find other ways of hunting.

 

 

  

Preliminary Proposal

 

 

The American Civil War was a battle which surprisingly did place an affect on Canada. In the past, slavery was a commonly known activity which was partaken in a majority of the southern states in America. However, the north of the United States was completely against the concept, and the only solution found was to form a war within the country. During the war, the southern states strategized a plan to attack the northern states from behind. In order to do so, the army of the south asked for permission to camp out on Canadian land, and were granted permission. Although the south came up with multiple strategies, they lost to the north and slavery was abolished. Afterwards, northern America became a bit frustrated that Canada attempted to assist their enemy. Therefore, this caused the minor colonies, such as Nova Scotia, to distress, for they were in fear that America would attack. Unfortunately, Montreal was attacked in the St.Albans Raid, and did not receive has much military support as they could have.  If the colonies of BNA were able to unite as one, there would be a decrease in fear, for a large military would be able to protect the colonies.

After the American Civil War occurred, America was filled with honour and strength. The accomplishment meant so much to the northern states of America, that the believe that America could take over the continent formed. the Manifest Density was the event that caused all Americans to feel the authority over the entire continent was possible. With the strong and undefeated military approaching, Canada began to fill with terror. All fear could have easily been removed if the Canada could unite as one large country, and create a strong military force to defend all the civilians.

Another force which put Canada at risk were the Fenians. The Fenians were a group of Irish civilians who also were found in the United States. Due to the tension between Ireland and Britain, the Irish men of America did not approve of being so near to British colonies. This caused the Fenians to raid and attack British North America, and held them in ransom and demanded a return of their land. Instead of multiple miniature colonies who were unable to defend themselves properly against the Fenians, it would have been much more efficient if all the colonies could unite as one.

America had constant hatred towards the BNA and Britain itself. Another event which caused fury was the Trent Affair. American ships would sail the free waters and capture men and prisoners. Britain noticed this occurrence and demanded the soldiers must be freed immediately. This caused a strain in the relationship between America and Britain, which caused British North American colonies to fill with fear. Fear would be eliminated if the colonies were able to work as a large country and defend one another.

After multiple raids and terror attacks, the colonies of Canada began to realize they needed additional assistance. Therefore, the colonies of BNA contacted Britain and asked for the consent and agreement for all the colonies to unite as one. The approval of the idea was given with much excitement and praise by Britain for numerous of reasons. Britain was a fan of the idea, for Britain believed Canada must improve in becoming independent. Additionally, the expenses decreased majorly for Britain when Canada united as one, which created ease for Britain. If Canada was able to come the conclusion of unity much earlier, our history would include much more peaceful moments.

 

Explain how the economic situation in the 1860s would encourage the BNA Colonies to unite.

During the 1860’s, Canada was fighting to escape from a tragic economic depression. Due to the excitement in many industries, numerous of organizations attempted to complete more work that was possible for the individual, small colonies. Regarding the railroads, Canada was overjoyed with the idea of placing railroads throughout the country. Although finical assistance was granted from the government, Canada began to overextend all the projects, which caused the miniature governments in the colonies to fall into debt of £800,000. As many British have noted, the creation of railroads in Canada was “an organized mess”(Edward Watkin).If Upper and Lower Canada united as one large country, there would be a sufficient amount of finical support, and many of the economic problems could have easily been avoided.

Another cause of the Canadian depression was due to the cancellation of the Corn Laws. The Corn Laws allowed corn to be shipped to with minimal tariffs, which allowed the export of grains to increase. Just as before, Canada refused to conjoin with the colonies of North America, and the economic depression continued. Canada would have been able to retain such benefits if the decision to unite colonies was done much earlier:”Joining together would mean larger markets, more industry, and better transportation systems”(Horizons, Page 100).

Although Canada created beautiful railroads to assist trade through other places in North America, the numerous of bankruptcies prevented and minimized the trading opportunities. Instead of conjoining  with the colonies within Canada, the country attempted to sign a Reciprocity Treaty with the United States. Unfortunatly, the “Americans were not interested because they did not see the economic advantages of such an agreement,” which continued the depression in Canada (Historica website). Overtime, the treaty was finally agreed to be signed, and free trade occurred, but the treaty was cancelled shortly after. If our country was able to unite from the beginning, the grand economic depression could have easily been avoided, or solved with much ease.