The Riel Rebellion and Canadian-American Relations

Abstract

HE Riel Rebellion presents an interesting case in CanadianAmerican history? For relations between the two nations, already strained by the Civil War, Fenian movements within the United States, and the American rejection of reciprocity, took a turn for the worse in 1869-70 when Canada was suddenly confronted with the insurrection i Rupert's Land. Beguiled by the evasive dream of becoming a continental republic, Americans had long coveted the lands of their northern eighbour. That the new Dominion of Canada could survive-indeed, could dare to envision its own transcontinental glory-was inconceivable to many Americans. In their own self-interest, they exaggerated the signs of disaffection within the Dominion. And when the mi but the short-of-war policy which they followed failed to gain the prize. Louis Riel, leader of the rebellious m&is, with all his apparent leanings towards the United States, employed American expansionism only to achieve provincial status within the Dominion for his beloved Red River. Moreover, the Canadian Premier, Sir John A.