SS10 Mr B Nov 8th, 2012 The Fur Trade, HBC Vs NWC, & Expansion of the West
The Northwest of Canada in 1800s
HBC vs. NWC
Fur Trade
Hudson Bay Company Founded in 1670 Radisson and Groseillier’s explored beyond New France Returned with furs – pitched to King Charles II to back up their business Claimed the area around Hudson Bay – named Rupert’s Land
Hudson Bay Company “Stay by the Bay” No inland traders -Encouraged Aboriginal to come to HB Standard of Trade was strict/little room for bargaining Hierarchy – Bosses in London, England – Shipped furs directly to and from England Hudson Bay is ice-free only from July to mid-September Main trading fort : York Factory
The Fight is On!!! Challenge to the HBC domination of the fur trade in Canada. Enter the North West Company
Northwest Company Founded in 1783 – rivals of HBC “Montrealers” – Group of French, Scotish & English merchants from Montreal – Seized French fur trade – Expanded trading networks and merged to create NWC Geographic reasons – Built posts inland -Montreal too far for Natives to travel – Established major trade depot at Fort William Similar to HBC – had to trade swiftly short ice-free season
Northwest Company Less rigid and bossy than the HBC Hivernants (wintering partners) – Did the actual fur trading & hunting Voyageurs – Muscle power to paddle canoes and carry cargo – Mapped new areas and established new trading posts More relaxed in trading standards – willing to bargain and even sold alcohol (HBC refused)
Map of NWC Trading Area
The Voyageurs NJ24 NJ24
Exit Slip Which company was better? List at least 3 reasons why.