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Louis Riel Returns
After years of being exiled to the US, Riel grew restless. During his exile, they say he might have suffered from a psychological conditioned called "Megalomania" (aka. Narcissism). His mental condition wosened during the exile, but he eventually recovered. However, he still believes that he was the divinely chosen leader of the Métis and the prophet of a new religion. It was no wonder that it didn't take much of the Métis' efforts to convince Riel to return to command them a second time. -
A Petition is Sent
Many Métis were inspired by Louis Riel. So inspired that Honoré Jackson and representatives of other communities started crafting a petition with detailed grievances and the settler's objectives. The petition was sent on July 28. -
A Disappointing Response
A response to the petition was finally received. The government wanted to take a census of the North-West Territories and then investigate the grievances. The Métis were furious. They saw this as a delay tactic. Many Métis wanted to take up arms at once. The church however, was against this. -
"Rome has Fallen"
The church --the majority of the English-speaking community-- did not support taking up arms agaisnt the government. Riel, having suffered a relapse of his mental illness and influenced by his delusions, became in favor of the decision. He seized the church at Batoche. Many Métis still support him through his charisma, even after his statement: "Rome has fallen". -
Assemble Troops
It has already become well known that Louis Riel had formed a second provisional government. He was trying to repeat what he had done at Red River in 1869. He had support from many First Nation Chiefs. However, there are some key differences this time. Sir John A Macdonald, did not hesitate to attack this time, he decided to fight Riel at once. As well, the Canadian Pacific Railway had been formed. Lastly, the North-West Mounted Police was formed in 1873. The troops are already being assembled. -
Battle of Duck Lake
Gabriel Dumont had been appointed by Riel as the military commander. Dumont had adopted guerrilla tactics to fight against the government troops. At Duck Lake, the Cree and Métis warriors managed to force the police and the army to retreat. The guerrilla tactics seemed like a great idea. -
Frog Lake Massacre
A band of Plains Cree warriors attacked Frog Lake. They were trying to capture Thomas Quinn, an agent who treated the Cree badly. He refused to go, and was shot. Admist the following chaos, eight other caucasian men were killed. The band of Cree warriors were not a part of the rebellion, since they were an independent band of warriors. Later, in November, the six Cree men were tried and hung for their part in the massacre. -
Battle of Fish Creek
Dumont had organized 150 First Nation and Métis to ambush government troops at Fish Creek (20km away from Batoche). The guerrilla tactics are being put in use again. The tactics worked again, for they suffered casualties before reinforcements arrived. Both sides retreated to safety for now. -
Battle of Cut Knife
A force of Cree and Assiniboine fighters, led by War Chief Fine Day encountered a government military force at Cut Knife. The army was outnumbered by the Métis fighters. Poundmaker, the Cree chief, made a rational decision to not follow them. They retreated, and the casualties were less than what they might have been. -
Battle of Batoche
Unhappy with Dumont's progress, Riel ordered Dumont to organize his fighters to defend Batoche. It was a critical military error. Because of that, the army was able to focus their efforts on one place. Army troops marched into Batoche. 900 soldiers was met with 300 Métis, Cree, and Dakota defenders of Batoche. The defenders were evventually defeated. Riel surrendered and was captured. Dumont fled to the US. -
Skirmish of Frenchman's Butte
Even though the main rebellion was over, the Cree fighters continued their resistance for a few days. This was one of the skirmishes that continued after the Battle of Batoche. -
Skirmish of Loon Lake
The last fight of the Northwest rebellion. This skirmish ended the Northwest rebellion. The Métis were defeated. -
Trial of Louis Riel
Sir John A. Macdonald ordered the trial to be in Regina, where Riel was tried before a jury made of six English and Scottish Protestants. The trial lasted only five days. Riel delivered two speeches during his trial, and even rejected his lawyer's attempt to argue that he was not guilty by reason of insanity. He said: "Life, without the dignity of an intelligent being, is not worth having." The jury found him guilty. The judge had sentenced him to death even though the jury suggested mercy. -
Execution of Louis Riel
Louis Riel was executed. Sir John A Macdonald, who was in favor of Riel's execution, said: "He shall hang though every dog in Quebec bark in his favour." In the end, Riel's body was returned to his mother's home in St. Vital.
