WEEK 12 Edge of Empire

History 110 Overview

Instructor: Dr. Meghan BoweContext: Focus on Fort Victoria, 1846

Explain the settler history of British Columbia: Analyze the sequence of events and decisions that led to the establishment and expansion of settler communities in British Columbia from Indigenous territories.
Examine the impact of settler colonialism on Pacific Indigenous nations: Investigate the socio-economic and cultural effects on Indigenous populations due to settler incursions and colonial policies.
Discuss the role of the economy in the development of British Columbia: Evaluate how various economic activities, including the fur trade and agriculture, influenced the growth of the colonies and the interaction between settlers and Indigenous groups.
Compare 19th-century British Columbia with other regions of British North America (BNA): Highlight the distinct social, economic, and geographical attributes of British Columbia relative to other BNA regions, focusing on the unique historical context of colonial expansion in the Pacific.

Tlingit: Located in Alaska, USA, a coastal Native group known for trade, art, and complex social structures.
Nuu-chah-nulth (Nookta): Inhabiting Vancouver Island, BC, this nation played a crucial role in maritime fur trade and was known for its canoework and whaling.
Kwakwaka’wakw: Residing on Vancouver Island, BC, recognized for their potlatch ceremonies and intricate totem pole carvings.
Coast Salish: Primarily found in Metro Vancouver, BC, they are known for their distinctive art and language group.
Haida: From Haida Gwaii, BC, known for their rich mythology, remarkable cedar carvings, and resistance to colonial encroachment.

Historic Connectedness: The world before modern globalization was marked by extensive trade and interactions, often more interconnected than often perceived in contemporary narratives.
Russian Expansionism (1732-1867): This period led to significant contact with First Nations, notably through the activities of the Russian American Company (RAC), which engaged in fur trade across the Pacific, particularly focused on sea otter pelts crucial for the fur market.
- Limited development occurred due to economic dependencies on trade with China and lack of agricultural infrastructure.

Old Sitka (1827): This site became a heavily fortified location, demonstrating poor relations with the Tlingit neighbors, reflective of the geopolitical tensions present in the region.
First Permanent Russian Settlement: Established in 1804, it was notable for iron forging activities that played a role in local economies.
Spanish Contact:
- In 1774-5, Spanish explorers established trade relations with the Nookta First Nations, claiming much of present-day British Columbia as “Territory of Nuca.”
Captain James Cook: Undertook a survey of the coastline in 1778, which led to increased trade with Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and established significant economic and political relationships, exchanging goods such as iron and brass for valuable sea otter skins.

Friendly Cove (1788-1789):An essential site in early British colonial history recognized for the first European contact, settlement efforts, and cultivation activities marking the beginning of European agricultural practices in the region.

Land-Based Fur Trade: The Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) strategy evolved in the 1830s towards establishing permanent trading posts, laying foundations for sustained economic activity.
Maritime-Based Trade: European and American traders operated by exchanging goods up and down the Pacific coast, heavily relying on Indigenous knowledge of the sea and land.
Chief Maquinna: A pivotal figure from the Nuu-chah-nulth who played a significant role in the maritime fur trade.

John Meares: Associated with the Northwest American Company, who made advancements including establishing a colony employing Chinese labourers in 1788.
Aboriginal Resistance: Indigenous groups used their extensive knowledge of the territory to influence the dynamics of the maritime fur trade, often resisting colonial encroachments.

This 1790 agreement followed Spain’s seizure of British vessels and marked the joint British-Spanish occupation of the Pacific Northwest, illustrating the geopolitical contest over these valuable territories. Transitioned from a fur trade centered around Indigenous practices to one dominated by European interests.

The merger between HBC and NWC resulted in British dominance in the fur trade while reshaping the trade dynamics significantly.
Economic Impact: Indigenous communities reliant on the sea otter fur trade faced socio-economic declines as the population of sea otters dwindled drastically.

Governor George Simpson's Policies: Aimed to solidify British control over newly acquired territories, counteracting Spanish and American claims.
Fort Langley (1827): Located on the Fraser River, this fort shifted its focus to agricultural production by the late 1840s, indicating a significant transformation in colonial economic practices.
Strict Class System:
- Marked by stark disparities where luxury living conditions for officers contrasted sharply with the struggles of common traders, increasing social tensions within colonial society.

By the late 1840s, British settlers began shifting towards agricultural practices to preclude U.S. encroachment and to optimize land utilization.
- Key Events: Witnessed overhunting incidents and diplomatic actions leading to the surrender of land north of the 54°40' line to Russia in exchange for trade privileges with China.

Phases in Trade: Characterized by the maritime trading of sea otters and the transition to land-based beaver furs as the trade evolved, with the primary trade links directed towards China.
The dominance of Indigenous traders found a sharp decline post-1821 with increased European control and intervention, resulting in profound socioeconomic changes that altered the very fabric of Indigenous communities and their lifestyles in the region.

Formation Dates of Different Colonies:
- Colony of Vancouver Island: Established in 1849.
- Colony of British Columbia: Established in 1858 following the gold rush era.
- Lt. Dependency of Queen Charlotte Islands: Established in 1852, showcasing the expanded reach of British colonization efforts in the Pacific.

James Douglas: A prominent colonial leader, he served as governor and was known for his outspoken advocacy against slavery while focusing on the importance of Indigenous land rights and development strategies for settlements.

Fraser & Cariboo Gold Rushes: These events precipitated a substantial influx of settlers which transformed the demographic landscape and economic structure of British Columbia, leading to significant challenges and changes for Indigenous populations.
Response from Indigenous Peoples: Adaptation strategies became essential, which included utilizing newly acquired horses and firearms to defend territories and manage dwindling resources in light of European settlement pressures.