The seed of rebellion
The Red River Rebellion was one of the first major conflicts that Louis Riel led alongside the Metis. The conflict began due to a large transfer of territory of Rupert’s land from the Hudson’s Bay Company to the Canadian government also called the Dominion of Canada at the time. In fear that they would lose their culture and land rights under Canadian control, the Metis people created their own provisional government, called the Metis National Committee, under the leadership of the articulate and educated Louis Riel, demanding the government to negotiate terms for entering confederation.
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Riel's efforts
Riel had developed himself as the spokesperson of the Metis people, like his father before him. He also became the leader of a group of red river militants. Riel and the militants had prevented a well known Canadian expansionist and representative of the HBC in Canada, William McDougal and the approaching Canadian land-survey party from stepping foot upon the colony. Riel worked hard and gradually formed an alliance between the French-speaking and English-speaking Metis of Rupert’s Land. Riel did this as he knew that the cooperation of both parties was necessary in order to reach their common goals. The local officials of the Hudson’s Bay Company had maintained neutrality, however, Metis resistance caused the Canadian government to withdraw from their agreed upon seize of control over the territory. This encouraged other rebel groups to hold their posts until an agreement of negotiation was made by the Canadian Government. By the time of the new year Riel lead a provisional government which called unto representatives of the rebel colonists at a convention. It took only one more convention for Riel to gain the support of many from the English Metis side. Riel utilized their newly formed representative provisional government and began discussion on the terms of entry into the Canadian Confederation.
metis retreat and exile of riel
Throughout the winter, armed conflict persisted. Riel maintained control, however, he carried out the court-martialing and execution of a prisoner, Thomas Scott. This act would prove to be a significant misstep by Riel. Thomas Scott was an English-speaking Ontarian settler who held negative sentiments towards the provisional government. Many pleaded Riel not to perform the execution, however, Riel continued regardless. This action sparked a flame in many protestants in Ontario which became detrimental towards Riels efforts. The Canadian government thus withdrew the option of unconditional amnesty for Riel and other rebel leaders. Riel’s provisional government was able to get the Canadian government to recognize some rights of the people of Red River, however, this victory was shallow as subsequent federal governments began to mismanage land titles. Soon the approach of British and Canadian troops forced Riel into exile in the United States. Many of the Metis became severely disadvantaged and began moving further west. Soon however, Riel would come back to lead them in the North-West rebellion of 1885 where the magnitude of conflict and violence would be much more tragic.