“Did Riel Receive A Fair Trial?”
By: Samira 8-3
Riel was charged with high treason for leading the North-West Rebellion against the Queen and her Canadian government in 1885 in what is now Saskatchewan. Prime Minister Macdonald decided that he had to be executed regardless of widespread belief that Riel was mentally ill and should be given mercy.
Riel's execution is often seen as a breaking point in relations between French and English.
Louis Riel did not receive a fair trial from a number of perspectives. One would include, that the case against Riel was being heard by a jury of six English- speaking men. At that point, English and French were not the best people who were getting along. English- speaking men at the small courtroom in Regina have been against Riel’s beliefs and his side of the story.
When the Hudson’s Bay Company gave up the control of Rupert’s Land in 1869, Riel created the Provisional Government to get closer to the Métis rights. Many English-speaking men thought that this was obligating treason. Treason expresses once someone is over throwing the government in power.
Ultimately, Riel was on trial. Quebec was concerned that if Riel would be hanged, they would be angry with Conservative Party and if he would not be hanged, Ontario would be enraged.
Many members of the Canadian government believed that Riel was an insane and was not responsible for his acts. He did not refuse that he stayed at a mental hospital, but Riel said that the doctors had specialized that he was cured.
Louis Riel was insane man, but his plan was to populate the divisions of Canada with many races, Catholic and Protestant. Many Metis thought that if Riel was insane, would sane men follow an insane leader- risk their lives for him, respect him and confide in him.
Louis Riel was no traitor in Canada. He was a loyalist who stood up for his people and their beliefs.
2007-02-16
06:44:13
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