1. Chapter 6 British Columbia to 1896
“Horizons”
Chapter 6
British Columbia to 1896

2. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
Russia first to reach Northwest coast
Both U.S. and Britain also wanted the Oregon Territory
HBC - wanted to continue fur trade
U.S. - “Manifest Destiny” - settlement a priority
1830’s - American settlers travelled along Oregon Trail
Oregon Territory

3. Manifest Destiny
In the United States in the 19th century, Manifest Destiny was the widely held belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the continent.

5. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
Oregon Trail: only means to settle the west
Extremely difficult & dangerous journey
1 in 10 settlers died along the way - some walked 2000 miles barefoot
Death often occurred due to cholera, poor sanitation & accidental gunshots
Contrary to popular belief, most native tribes helpful to settlers

6. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
Oregon Trail: between , half a million settlers travelled west on the trail
Strange but true facts:
Many cholera victims were buried alive, because the wagon party was in a hurry (Donner Party)
A cow that accidentally wandered into a Sioux camp ignited a conflict that led to the death of many Sioux warriors & U.S. soldiers

7. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
George Simpson - became governor of HBC in biggest challenge was New Caledonia/Columbia territory
Russia, United States both interested in area
Simpson toured forts in Oregon territory - decided to establish a new post, Fort Vancouver
Chief Factor - John McLoughlin
Simpson ordered HBC employees to open up trade in Fraser Valley, expand networks in native peoples
established Fort Langley
Fort Langley

8. Fort Langley Never a successful fur trading post
Traded in salmon in exchange for European goods
Salmon often went as ship food to resupply ships in Hawaii

9. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
McLoughlin - fair & generous administrator, political realist
Arrested for murder of Robert Semple (Battle of 7 Oaks) - acquitted in 1818
Encouraged Americans to stay out of HBC territory - offered money & supplies to American settlers
Strong American presence in Oregon Territory by 1830’s
Russia: had fur-trade posts in Alaska, threatened to expand into Pacific Northwest
agreement with HBC not to trade further south - HBC would supply Russian posts with food
John McLoughlin

10. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
Simpson toured area - not satisfied with fur trade - closed all coastal posts except Fort Simpson, designated HBC steamship Beaver as a ‘floating’ fur-trade post
McLoughlin furious
Situation worsened when McLoughlin’s son was killed in a brawl
Simpson recommended charge of ‘justifiable homicide’
McLoughlin developed hatred for both Simpson & HBC
Encouraged all settlers to move north of the Columbia River (U.S.)
“Beaver” - HBC steamship

11. McLoughlin’s Lega McLoughlin retired from HBC in 1845
Known as “Father of Oregon”, due to his kindness to American settlers

12. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Oregon Territory”
Simpson worried that U.S. would take over territory
Ordered Chief Factor James Douglas to establish new depot on Vancouver Island
Fort Victoria
James Douglas

13. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Colony of Vancouver Island to 1858”
1840’s - U.S. wanted to expand past 54° 40’ (Oregon Territory)
President James Polk tried to negotiate with Britain
Both sides agreed to extend border along the 49th parallel to Pacific Ocean
Vancouver Island remained British
Fort Vancouver became U.S.
1848: British government created the crown colony of Vancouver Island - HBC retained trade monopoly
New governor James Douglas
Actively encouraged British settlement
Vancouver Island

14. Purchasing Land on Van. Is.
Recreating the English Class System
£1 an acre with a minimum of 20 acres
Current exchange rate (£1 = $1.55 CDN)
If more than 100 acres were purchased – must have 5 people to work the land
few settlers became land owners due to this system
most inhabitants were ex-HBC employees who bought up the valuable farm land

15. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Colony of Vancouver Island to 1858”
Douglas created Legislative Assembly - 7 elected representatives
Only property owners could vote - 40/450 citizens
Assembly could pass resolutions, but couldn’t enforce them - Douglas had final authority
Douglas also had to negotiate treaties with aboriginal peoples - approx. 30,000 living on island
They would surrender land to Europeans, but would retain hunting and fishing rights
Annual compensation to families each year
Douglas seemed to be ‘leasing’ land from aboriginal people - confirms their title?
Only treaties of this nature negotiated in B.C. in 19th century
Sir James Douglas

17. Chapter 6 - B.C. to 1896 “The Colony of Vancouver Island to 1858”
English class system established - hierarchy
1840’s - coal discovered near Nanaimo, diversified economy
Supplied Royal Navy, based out of Esquimalt harbour (still a base today)
Royal Navy played huge role in Fort Victoria society - officers invited to parties given by English landowners
Douglas married to Amelia Douglas, a Metis - not impressed with new ‘upper class’
She had 13 babies (7 died as infants)
Lady Amelia Douglas

18. Assignment Due at the end of the class.
In an organizer, compare and contrast American and British attitudes towards the Oregon Territory. /3
Why did the British Government put restrictions on land purchasing?/2
What did the early government of Victoria have in common with Upper and Lower Canada before confederation? /2
Due at the end of the class.