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Example research essay topic: Hudson Bay Company Fur Trading - 1,095 words

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... They also had no experience traveling the North American river system. Finally, the company didnt have a mobile food supply which meant that they didnt heard animals to feed their employees. Although, the Hudson's Bay Company did provide a sense of stability and security for their employees, who at this time were all men.

At last, the Hudson's Bay Company didnt want their employees getting involved with native women nor did they want to be liable for them and their families. This is why the Hudson's Bay Company employees "slept by the bay", as the expression goes. However, the role of Native women in the fur trade was critical to the success of the Hudson's Bay Company. Their knowledge of Native languages, trading routes, customs and culture, and survival made them indispensable to their European trader husbands. By 1749, the Hudson's Bay Company had only four or five coastal trading posts and about 120 employees.

In 1774, a hundred and four years after it was founded, the Hudson's Bay Company finally established its first inland post named Cumberland House, on Pine Island Lake. A little more than a decade after this, a string of posts were established along the Saskatchewan River. Trade increased immensely during these years and during the French wars from 1778 - 1783 the company was strong enough to bear a 500, 000 pound loss. The original capital of the company was about 110, 000 pounds. The Northwest Company was also a merging company of powerful rivals that were typically Scottish-Canadian traders from Montreal. It was originally formed in 1784 by some Montreal fur trading companies.

New trading routes and trading posts were established as a result of the Northwest Company. Unlike the Hudson's Bay Company merchants, the men of the Northwest Company were always on the move. They showed their disrespect for the Royal Charter by building their forts right beside those of the Hudson's Bay Company at strategic trading points. For example, the Northwest Company set up Fort Alexander (near present day Winnipeg) right beside the Hudson's Bay Company post of Fort Garry. Alexander Mackenzie was the man in charge and, in defiance of the charter, pushed his crew up to the northwestern Arctic to the Pacific.

However, both companies were growing weary of competing against each other, as it prevented growth in both organizations. On March 26, 1821 the Hudson's Bay Company, represented by Edward Ellice, and the Northwest Company, represented by Simon McGillivary, decided to amalgamate. The result was the most powerful fur trading company on the continent. With the exception of the Great Lakes basin and the Atlantic Provinces, the companys empire spanned across all of modern Canada.

Also involved in the merger between the two companies, was the acting Governor-in-Chief of Rupert's Land, George Simpson. Over the next 40 years, Simpson ruled North America and under his careful eye, the Hudson's Bay Company was able to achieve its greatest financial success. Simpsons first task was reorganizing the Hudson's Bay Company fur trading operation, and in a short time, order and efficiency was maintained. Posts began to occupy permanent positions along waterways, rather than being constantly relocated, and in places where two posts competed, one was shut down. For many years, the Hudson's Bay Company enjoyed the stability of its monopoly.

The company made huge strides in expanding its territory, under strict rules of George Simpson. In 1826, Simpson was appointed the Governor for the northern and southern departments of Rupert's Land. In 1841, George Simpson was knighted by Queen Victoria because of his outstanding achievements, and after receiving his knighthood, Sir George took an overland trip around the world traveling across British North America, Asia, Russia, and Europe. Those who worked for him spoke of his efficiency and ambition. He continued to work for the company until his death in 1860, however, he influenced the operations of the Hudson's Bay Company for decades after his death. In may of 1859, the real pressure on the Hudson's Bay Company began when its charter came up for review in the British Parliament.

Many companies signed petitions challenging the monopoly of the Hudson's Bay Company. There was also a threat that without a powerful political foundation, the United States might take claims to the Canadian West. To deal with these issues, a special British parliament committee was formed to review the case. The committee asked a series of questions and heard testimony from some 25 witnesses, among them was George Simpson.

As a result, the committee decided the Hudson's Bay Company must begin to turn over all the land that could be colonized to Canada. This transfer of land back to the British crown in 1870 was known as the Deed of Surrender, and the development of the Canadian west began. Under this deed, the company was allowed every privilege of a private trading corporation without exceptional taxation. They also received some cash and seven million acres of fertile land that was gradually sold over the next 85 years. From this point on, the Hudson's Bay Company began to emerge into its present day form.

It marked the end of a great chapter in history for the Hudson's Bay Company and the beginning of modern day Canada. As a result of Canadas confederation in 1867, the new country was ready to take over the land. Over the next 30 years, over two million people settled west of the Great Lakes, and never before had such drastic changes been required by an organization. This proved to be a challenge for the 200 year old company. What was once a monopoly, was now exposed to every form of competition all across the country. After 1870, the fur trade continued, however new areas of business began to spring up.

A wholesale department was created and a series of Hudson's Bay Company retail stores began to expand across Canada. The man who guided the company through these times was Donald A. Smith, who became the companys commissioner in 1871. Smith was known for his extreme skill as an international financier, and for his ability to attract investors.

Smith is now often pictured in history books as a silver bearded gentleman who drove the last spike of the great railway on November 7, 1885. However, the majority of Canadians know Donald Smith for starting Canadas largest non-food retailer, the Hudson's Bay Company, also known as The Bay. Today the Hudson's Bay Company continues to expand its retail operations with acquisitions such as Kmart and new outlets such as the Outfitters store in Toronto.


Free research essays on topics related to: fur trade, fur trading, hudson bay company, trading posts, british parliament

Research essay sample on Hudson Bay Company Fur Trading

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