The Northwest to 1870 Social Studies 10 Who would you join?

The Northwest The large area West of Ontario/Canada West Largely unsettled, numerous aboriginal populations throughout Vast and plenty of resources The Frontier of Canada #Uncharted The HBC and NWC start to expand into the area for fur trading profits, this greatly affects the area and is the starting point for our chapter

Formation of the HBC: 1670, King gave a Charter, giving all rights to the land included in Rupert’s Land Company controlling this land was HBC Gave a monopoly to fur trading in this land – only HBC could trade furs. No one else could.

Fur Trading Posts Posts called “factories” b/c head trader called “the Factor” Posts located at mouths of large rivers on shores of Hudson’s Bay and James Bay Staffed by Europeans who relied on Cree, Assiniboine, and Chippewa to bring furs to trade… “Come to us, not we will come to you”

Fur Trading Partners Natives could control the number and quality of furs they brought to posts But was what was being traded an equal value? How much money would be made off of the furs How much would be given in return? Prices could change or vary from post to post? Another Trading Company called the North West Company (NWC) = They were bitter competitors

Politics of HBC Directors were wealthy gentlemen Ran business from London – knew nothing about the land conditions in Canada Could only communicate with factories once a year: Why might this be? Factors given power Modified price of furs from what it was in Europe Beaver so valuable it was considered money $$$

Beaver Hats Anyone?

York Factory A settlement located on the southwestern shore of Hudson Bay in northeastern Manitoba Headquarters of the HBC in North America, serving as the company headquarters until 1957 Through the 17th and late 19th century, the depot at York Factory were the central base of operations for company's control of the fur trade and other business dealings with the First Nations throughout Rupert's Land

York Factory

Fur Trading Partners Natives could control the number and quality of furs they brought to posts But was what was being traded an equal value? How much money would be made off of the furs How much would be given in return? Prices could change or vary from post to post? Another Trading Company called the North West Company (NWC) = They were bitter competitors

Competition: The North West Company English merchants called “Montrealers” based out of Montreal formed continued the French fur trade They employed French speaking fur traders and worked to compete with the HBC over the fur trade Major trading post: Fort William on Lake Superior Shipped from Montreal to London Less rigid and structured as the HBC More relaxed with trading prices, willing to barter Grew far (As West as B.C. and as North as Great Slave Lake

NWC Employees Hiverants: Employees who would remain in the North West and actually do the trading of the furs Not paid employees, just loyal partners with the company Made extensive profits from Fur Trade Voyageurs: Paddled canoes with cargo for trading in the North West and throughout the lakes to Montreal Strenuous activity, long days, real outdoorsmen

Pick A Side Paragraphs It’s 1840 and you’re in North West working for the ______________________________ (HBC or NWC) on the Western bank of Lake Winnipeg After a long day of work trading with natives in the area you head to the local saloon to relax While relaxing, an employee of the (HBC or NWC) approaches you and is starting stuff with you because you work for a different company He wants to fight, but you being the more mature and better person decide to confront him and use your words to fight your battle

Pick A Side Paragraphs This is what you decide to say: You will write two paragraphs (minimum 6 sentences) Your first paragraph will be all about how the company you work for is has it’s benefits. You will talk about why you are lucky to work for your company. Your second paragraph will be a verbal assault on your enemy’s company, which ever one they work for. You should mention any negatives that working for their company may have and how your company is better Use the notes you have on the companies first, then your textbook and as a last resort you can use your cell phone