NORTHWEST REBELLION

Northwest Rebellion

Northwest Rebellion

Thesis statement

The Northwest Rebellion of 1885 is the culmination of the discontent of METIS. The Rebellion of 1885 displayed the unfair treatment of the Metis and Indian peoples of the west. This paper is set out to illustrate the events that caused the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 and its results.

Introduction

In fall 1885, the Privy Council was inundated with petitions from across the country, citizens expressing their views on the fate of Louis Riel (1844-1885). Having established a provisional government to represent the interests of Métis and First Nations in Saskatchewan, Riel led an armed resistance movement against the Canadian militia, who had been dispatched to crush the political uprising. Riel had been pardoned and exiled ten years ago by the Privy Council under Alexander Mackenzie (1822-1892), but its role in the rebellion of 1885 earned him this time a charge of high treason and sentenced to death by hanging. Riel's arrest in May 1885 until long after his execution, which took place in November of that year, the Cabinet has had to face many ups and downs of this controversial case. Besides the general indignation in the country, differences have arisen concerning the mental health of Riel, his appeal to the Privy Council of the Queen in England, the evidence presented during his trial, and his tragic execution. Many of these documents were classified as inactive files of the Privy Council.

Discussion

The Northwest Rebellion of 1885 is the culmination of the discontent of METIS , indigenous peoples and white settlers who continues to be a source of unrest since the RED RIVER REBELLION of 1869-1870. The virtual disappearance of the buffalo almost reduced to starvation prairie Indians, or the CRIS , the BLACKFOOT , the PEOPLE-OF-BLOOD , the PEIGAN and Saulteaux. In 1880, the Cree chief BIG BEAR working to form a confederation of indigenous and finds an ally in CROWFOOT , Grand Chief of the Blackfoot. A series of clashes on rations devoid between indigenous and employees of the Department of Indian Affairs threatens to trigger violent incidents. The Métis have great difficulty moving from hunting to farming and in 1884, desperate to have their rights recognized.

Political Aspect and social aspect

Military confrontation that followed did not reflect simply an inevitable conflict between primitive and complex societies. Such an interpretation leaves the impression that there was nothing vital in the culture or the groups that inhabited the then Northwest had a monolithic front before and during the events of 1885. The events that preceded the outbreak of violence involving complex economic and political factors in addition to cultural and social issues that have been put forward.

The new railway takes more and more settlers to the country, causing, Métis and First Nations tribes settled along the North Saskatchewan, the fear of losing their land and lifestyle. The government surveyors were to draw new cards and threaten to deport Métis their territories. That is why they wish to obtain title to the river lots owned by them ...