Louis Riel and the uprising of the Red River Colony

Lead up to Rebellion arrival of land speculators Original Metis settlers angry with HBC for pursuing the sale of the land with their consultation Surveyors also laying out square townships Unlike traditional strip lots of Metis Begin to wonder if Canadian Government is trying to take away their land

Lead up cont’d. Metis, under Louis Riel, decide to confront the surveyors Metis National Committee formed to confront Governor William McDougall Told McDougall to go back to Ottawa as the Metis intended to govern themselves

The Stakes are raised Several Metis under Riel’s command occupy Fort Garry and seize its munitions. The Red River Rebellion had begun.

What they really wanted Riel and followers never wanted a rebellion Only wanted to ensure that their people would keep their land and their rights after the land was transferred to Canadian authority Riel set up a Provisional Government to negotiate Drew up a list of rights (p.159)

Tensions rise The Canadian Party, under McDougall’s leadership was armed and ready to attack the Metis Riel took the initiative and to seized the headquarters of the Canadian party Took several people hostage and declared he was ready to negotiate Prime Minister John. A. Macdonald refused to recognize Riel or negotiate with him

Execution Schultz, leader of the Canadian party, escapes from Fort Garry Another prisoner, Thomas Scott, threatens to kill Riel, verbally and physically abuses the guards. On March 4, he was executed by firing squad by Riel’s provisional government On March 9, Riel formally declares the the crisis had passed

Off to Ottawa After the execution of Scott, a delegation of Metis set off to Ottawa to negotiate the creation of the province of Manitoba  Prior to their arrival, Schultz, who had escaped, arrived in Ontario  He begins to make a martyr out of Scott so by the time the Metis arrive, they had a hard time getting recognition from Macdonald’s government

A new province The Metis’ case is finally heard in April Macdonald allows hectares of land to be given to the Metis. On May 2, legislation is passed confirming Manitoba’s creation

Vengeance As cries for retribution over Scott’s death rose from the white protestants, Macdonald had to do something He sends 1200 troops to arrest Riel and keep the peace until the transfer of power to a new provincial gov’t could be done Riel fled the area fearing for his life to the United States and was banned from Canada for five years He would spend the next 15 years in the U.S. Other members of the provisional gov’t were granted amnesty