SS10 Mr BNov 8th, 2012

The Fur Trade, HBC Vs NWC, & Expansion of the West

The Northwest of Canada in 1800s

HBC vs. NWC

Fur Trade

Fur Trade

Hudson Bay Company• Founded in 1670• Radisson and Groseillier’s

explored beyond New France

• Returned with furs – pitched to King Charles II to back up their business

• Claimed the area around Hudson Bay – named Rupert’s Land

Hudson Bay Company• “Stay by the Bay”

No inland traders -Encouraged Aboriginal to come to HB

• Standard of Trade was strict/little room for bargaining

• Hierarchy – Bosses in London, England– Shipped furs directly to and from England

• Hudson Bay is ice-free only from July to mid-September• Main trading fort : York Factory

The Fight is On!!!

• Challenge to the HBC domination of the fur trade in Canada.

• Enter the North West Company

Northwest Company• Founded in 1783 – rivals of HBC• “Montrealers”

– Group of French, Scotish & English merchants from Montreal

– Seized French fur trade– Expanded trading networks and merged to create NWC

• Geographic reasons– Built posts inland -Montreal too

far for Natives to travel– Established major trade depot at

Fort William• Similar to HBC – had to trade

swiftly short ice-free season

Northwest Company

• Less rigid and bossy than the HBC• Hivernants (wintering partners)

– Did the actual fur trading & hunting

• Voyageurs– Muscle power to paddle canoes and carry cargo– Mapped new areas and established new trading

posts

• More relaxed in trading standards – willing to bargain and even sold alcohol (HBC refused)

Map of NWC Trading Area

The Voyageurs

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlIWOw5NJ24

Exit Slip• Which company was better?

• List at least 3 reasons why.