Part 2: Short Answer Questions 1. How did the British attitude differ from the American attitude towards the Oregon Territory. 54-40 or Fight mean? 3. What was discoverec near Nanaimo that helped develop the colony of Vancouver Island? 4. James Douglas was both the Chief Factor for the HBC company and governor of the colony of Vancouver Island-how might this be considered a conflict of interest? 5. How did the reality of the gold rush differ from what people were led to believe they were? 6. How did the British government act to ensure that the mainland of BC did not become annexed by the USA? 7. In what ways were the Royal Engineers important to the development of infrastructure in BC? 8. How did the Cariboo Gold Rush impact First Nations people? 9. Why was building the Cariboo Wagon Road so essential to the Cariboo Gold Rush and to the development of BC?

1. The British, represented primarily by the Hudson's Bay Company, viewed the Oregon Territory as a resource-rich area for fur trapping and trade, prioritizing economic exploitation. Americans, driven by Manifest Destiny, saw it as potential farmland and a space for westward expansion, desiring permanent settlement and ownership.<br /><br />2. "$54-40 or Fight!" was a political slogan used in the United States during the 1844 presidential election. It referred to the line of latitude 54°40′ north, which some Americans believed should be the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory, encompassing all of present-day British Columbia. The slogan reflected the aggressive stance of those willing to go to war with Britain to acquire this territory.<br /><br />3. Coal was discovered near Nanaimo. This discovery fueled the development of the colony of Vancouver Island by providing a valuable resource for export and attracting settlers seeking work in the mines.<br /><br />4. James Douglas's dual role presented a conflict of interest because his responsibilities to the Hudson's Bay Company, focused on profit, could clash with his duties as governor, which required him to consider the overall well-being of the colony and its diverse population. His decisions could potentially benefit the HBC at the expense of the colony's development or the interests of other settlers.<br /><br />5. The reality of the gold rush was far harsher than the romanticized image presented to prospective miners. While some struck it rich, most faced difficult conditions, including arduous travel, scarce resources, disease, and fierce competition. Many returned home empty-handed and disillusioned.<br /><br />6. Fearing American annexation during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, the British government established the colony of British Columbia in 1858, asserting British sovereignty over the mainland and providing a formal administrative structure separate from the Hudson's Bay Company's control.<br /><br />7. The Royal Engineers played a crucial role in developing BC's infrastructure by surveying and constructing roads, bridges, and government buildings. Their expertise and disciplined approach were essential for establishing transportation routes and creating a foundation for urban development, particularly during the gold rush era.<br /><br />8. The Cariboo Gold Rush significantly impacted First Nations people. Their traditional territories were disrupted by the influx of miners, leading to displacement, loss of resources, and increased exposure to diseases. While some First Nations individuals found employment opportunities, many experienced exploitation and marginalization.<br /><br />9. The Cariboo Wagon Road was essential to the Cariboo Gold Rush because it provided a reliable transportation route through challenging terrain, enabling the efficient movement of supplies, equipment, and people to and from the goldfields. This facilitated the growth of mining operations and contributed significantly to the economic and infrastructural development of the entire region, solidifying British control and opening up the interior for further settlement.<br />