british columbia to 1896. introduction from 1820’s – bc is a territory controlled by the hbc ...
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BRITISH COLUMBIA TO 1896
INTRODUCTION
From 1820’s – BC is a territory controlled by the HBC
Two fantastic Gold Rushes
Creation of the first Legislative Assembly
1871 – entry of BC into confederation
To the 1880’s – Vancouver becomes the last stop on the CPR
Immigration from numerous countries world-wide (USA,
Britain, Asia)
Came to work, settled permanently and created the diverse
culture we have inherited today
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
The last place in North America to be settled by
Europeans
Home to more than 25 different Aboriginal groups
Dazzling landscape: rivers, mountains covered with
fir, spruce, red cedar standing 60m tall and meters
wide
Abundance of fur bearing-animals
FUR TRADE
Russians the first to reach the Northwest coast in 1741
Russians immediately launched a successful trade in
Sea Otter fur
Ships from Spain, Britain, and the USA soon followed
and trade in seal and sea otter flourished
Intense rivalry between Britain and the USA ensues
OREGON TERRITORY
1826 – HBC sends George Simpson to govern New
Caledonia and Columbia (future British Columbia)
Russia claimed the coast as far South as N. Vancouver Island
The 49th parallel drew a firm boundary between USA and
British North America; but the boundary ended at the eastern
slope of the Rockies
USA claimed Oregon Territory as far north as 54’40
British North America claimed as far south as 42’
OREGON TERRITORY CON’T
HBC had no interest in encouraging settlement
It could disrupt a lucrative fur trade and
undermine the companies trade monopoly in the
area
America’s population was growing rapidly
America pursued an aggressive policy towards the
Oregon Territory and encouraged settlement
HBC GEORGE SIMPSON
HBC’S GEORGE SIMPSON
Established forts in the Oregon Territory (see map p.209)
Fort Vancouver on the Northern bank of Columbia River.
1827 Ft Langley on the Fraser River
Open trade in the Fraser Valley and expand trading
networks with native peoples
Area was rich in furs and dwindling fur stocks becoming
a real problem
HBC’S JOHN MCLOUGHLIN
JOHN MCLOUGHLIN
Appointed chief factor at Ft. Vancouver by Simpson
Political realist, recognized American’s would settle the
region South of the Columbia River
To reduce competition with the HBC he encourages them to
do so and stay out of region North of the River
Offers them money and supplies to Americans even though he
is only supposed to help HBC employees
His plan led to a strong American presence in the Oregon
Territory.
RUSSIANS
Russians had established a number of fur-trading posts in
Alaska and along the northern Northwest Coast
1839 HBC and Russians agree that the Russians will cease
operations south of 54’40’ N
In exchange HBC would supply Russian posts in Alaska with
food
HBC steamboat the Beaver (1835) supplied these posts, was a
mobile trading post with the Northwest coast peoples and
added to British presence in the area
SIMPSON VS. MCLOUGHLIN