Creating Canada: 1850–1890 · Term 1

The Purchase of Rupert's Land: Context & Impact

Investigating the transfer of vast territories from the Hudson's Bay Company to the Dominion of Canada without Indigenous consent.

About This Topic

The North-West Resistance of 1885 marks a tragic escalation of the tensions that began at Red River. Students examine how the failure of the Canadian government to address Métis land claims and the desperate situation of First Nations on the Prairies led to open conflict. This topic focuses on the Battle of Batoche, the role of the newly completed railway in moving troops, and the subsequent trial and execution of Louis Riel.

Students will also look at the impact on First Nations leaders like Mistahimaskwa (Big Bear) and Pitikwahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), who sought peace but were drawn into the conflict. The aftermath of 1885 fundamentally changed the relationship between the West and Ottawa and deepened the divide between French and English Canada. This topic comes alive when students can analyze the trial of Louis Riel through a mock trial or structured debate, exploring the complex questions of treason, mental health, and justice.

Active Learning Ideas

Mock Trial: The Trial of Louis Riel

Students take on roles as lawyers, witnesses, and the jury. They must argue whether Riel was guilty of high treason or if his actions were a justified response to government neglect, while also considering his mental state at the time.

⏱ 120 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Railway's Impact

In small groups, students compare the timelines of the 1870 and 1885 resistances. they analyze how the completion of the CPR allowed the government to crush the 1885 resistance in weeks, whereas 1870 took months.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Fate of the Chiefs

Students read accounts of Big Bear and Poundmaker's attempts to prevent violence. They then pair up to discuss why these leaders were imprisoned despite their efforts to keep the peace.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The 1885 resistance was a purely Métis 'rebellion.'

What to Teach Instead

While the Métis were central, many First Nations were also driven to resistance by starvation and the government's failure to uphold treaty promises. Using a 'station rotation' on different groups' grievances helps students see the broader scope of the conflict.

Common Misconception

Louis Riel was executed because he was a murderer.

What to Teach Instead

Riel was executed for high treason, a political charge. Many in Quebec saw him as a hero defending French and Catholic rights, while many in Ontario saw him as a traitor. A structured debate on the 'execution's impact' helps students understand this national divide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main cause of the 1885 Resistance?

The main cause was the Canadian government's ongoing refusal to recognize Métis land titles in the Saskatchewan valley. This was compounded by the collapse of the buffalo hunt, which left both Métis and First Nations facing starvation while the government cut food rations to save money.

How did the Battle of Batoche end?

After several days of fighting, the Métis, who were short on ammunition and outgunned by the Canadian military's Gatling guns and artillery, were defeated. Louis Riel surrendered shortly after, while Gabriel Dumont escaped to the United States.

Why is Louis Riel's execution still controversial?

Riel's execution is seen by many as a political act rather than a judicial one. It caused a massive outcry in Quebec, where he was seen as a martyr for French rights, and it permanently damaged the Conservative Party's reputation in that province. Today, he is recognized as a founder of Manitoba.

How can active learning help students understand the 1885 Resistance?

Active learning, particularly through the mock trial of Louis Riel, forces students to engage with the primary evidence and the conflicting values of the time. It moves them beyond a simple 'good guy vs. bad guy' narrative and helps them understand the deep-seated cultural and political tensions that still resonate in Canada today.

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