The Colony of Vancouver Island Social Studies 10 & Sr. Transitional Socials Prince of Wales Secondary Ms. Underwood The Colony of Vancouver Island

54° 40’ In the mid 1840s the Americans claimed the Oregon Territory up to 54° 40’. The US and presidential elect James Polk had no desire to wage war on Britain. Britain refused to give up it’s claim, and the old 1818 boundary along the 49th parallel was restored. Vancouver Island would remain in the hands of the British.

A New Colony Created HBC was given a trade monopoly, but had to sell land to the British settlers who came to live there. James Douglas was appointed the new governor. He actively encouraged British settlement to counter the American threat of expansion. He believed that free land grants would attract settlers. The British government did not agree with Douglas.

England’s Class Structure Re-created Settlers were required to purchase land at ₤1 an acre with a minimum purchase of 20 acres. If more than 100 acres were purchased, 5 people had to come along to work. The old rural system in England was being replicated in Canada. The majority of settlers in the 1840s were ex-HBC employees.

Economic Diversification Dominated by the HBC in the 1850s. Coal was discovered near Nanaimo in the 1840s. Immigrants arrived to start mining operations. The intent was to sell to the Royal Navy. Mines were established through the 1850s at Cumberland (further north).

The Royal Navy Esquimalt Harbour was established as a naval base (next to Ft. Victoria). Played a huge role on the social life of Ft. Victoria. Officers were considered gentlemen since they came from the privileged class in England. English landowners would host parties and other social functions to which the officers would be invited.

Government In 1856, a small Legislative Assembly of 7 was created. Citizens had to own property to in order to vote, which meant that only about 40 out of 450 eligible adults could do so. Douglas insisted on retaining final authority and although the Assembly could pass resolutions, it had no authority to enforce them. The Assembly could grant money for the government’s use.

Population and Natives In 1855 a census indicated that there were 774 persons living on the island, however, there were in fact more than 30,000 Aboriginal people there too. Douglas felt he had to negotiate with the Aboriginals (who had lived there longer than anyone) in order to attract new settlers to the colony and make it more prosperous. Douglas was especially focused on the rich farmlands between Ft. Victoria and Nanaimo.

Treaties Douglas negotiated with the aboriginals. In exchange for their land, aboriginals would retain hunting and fishing rights on them. In a sense, this arrangement was perceived as leasing, and therefore compensation was granted to the affected families—some say confirming aboriginal title to the land. The Douglas treaties were the only treaties of this kind negotiated in BC in the 19th century.