“ Horizons ”

1. Chapter 6 British Columbia to 1896 “Horizons”

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 1843-1868, 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 1826 - 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 • 1827 - 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 • 1839 - 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” • 1841 - 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’sLega • 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 • 1843 - 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) • 1845 - 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” • 1856 - 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 • 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.