Question
Ibertify and explain the couses of the creation of Manitoba. What were the intended and uninterded consequences?
Solution
4.7
(187 Votes)
Donovan
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The creation of Manitoba in 1870 was a complex event stemming from a confluence of factors. Here's a breakdown of the causes, and their intended and unintended consequences:**Causes:*** **The Red River Resistance (1869-1870):** This is the most immediate cause. The Métis people, led by Louis Riel, resisted the Canadian government's attempt to annex Rupert's Land without consulting them. They were concerned about their land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation. The resistance forced the government to negotiate.* **Canadian Expansionism:** Canada was eager to expand westward and gain control of the vast resources and potential of Rupert's Land, owned by the Hudson's Bay Company. This desire for expansion was driven by economic ambitions and a vision of a transcontinental nation.* **Fear of US Annexation:** There were concerns that if Canada didn't claim Rupert's Land, the United States might. Manifest Destiny, the American belief in their right to expand across the continent, was a real threat. Securing the west was seen as crucial for Canadian sovereignty.* **Hudson's Bay Company's Willingness to Sell:** Facing financial pressures and recognizing the changing political landscape, the Hudson's Bay Company agreed to sell Rupert's Land to Canada. This provided the legal framework for the transfer of control.* **Growing Settler Population:** Increasing numbers of settlers, primarily from Ontario, were moving west. This added pressure on the government to establish a formal system of governance in the region.**Intended Consequences:*** **Peaceful Resolution to the Red River Resistance:** The creation of Manitoba was intended to appease the Métis and address their concerns, granting them land rights, language rights (French and English), and representation in the provincial legislature.* **Formal Incorporation of Rupert's Land into Canada:** This was a key goal for the Canadian government, solidifying its control over the vast western territories and paving the way for further westward expansion.* **Establishment of a Provincial Government:** Creating Manitoba established a framework for governance in the region, allowing for the administration of laws, collection of taxes, and provision of services.**Unintended Consequences:*** **Continued Métis Discontent:** While the Manitoba Act addressed some Métis concerns, it didn't fully resolve them. Land distribution was slow and complex, leading to ongoing grievances and eventually contributing to the North-West Resistance of 1885.* **Displacement of Indigenous Peoples:** The influx of settlers and the expansion of Canadian authority further marginalized Indigenous peoples, leading to loss of land, resources, and traditional ways of life. Treaties were signed, but often not honored in the spirit they were intended.* **Increased Tensions between French and English Canadians:** The Red River Resistance and the subsequent creation of Manitoba highlighted existing linguistic and cultural divisions within Canada, contributing to ongoing debates about the balance of power between French and English speakers.* **Precedent for Future Western Provinces:** The creation of Manitoba set a precedent for the creation of other provinces in Western Canada, influencing their boundaries, governance structures, and relationship with the federal government.It's important to remember that the creation of Manitoba was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, shaping the nation's development and having long-lasting consequences for all involved, particularly the Indigenous peoples and the Métis.