"How was the free-trade trial of 1849 a victory for the Metis?"
Was it because the 4 Metis offenders were given mercy and it also ended the HBC monopoly?
The free-trade trial of 1849 was indeed a victory for the Métis, but not solely because of the reasons you mentioned. To understand why it was a victory, let me break it down for you:
1. Free-Trade Trial: In 1849, four Métis individuals, known as the "Buffalo Hunters," were charged with violating the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) exclusive trading privileges. They had engaged in free trade, in which they directly traded buffalo hides with American traders instead of going through the HBC. The trial was significant because it became a symbol of Métis resistance against the HBC's monopoly on the fur trade.
2. Mercy Granted: One aspect of the victory for the Métis was that the four individuals were indeed found guilty, which could have resulted in severe punishment. However, they were shown leniency by the presiding judge, Chief Justice Draper, who issued a relatively light sentence. While they were fined, they ultimately received a symbolic victory by escaping harsher penalties such as imprisonment or hard labor.
3. Challenging HBC Monopoly: The trial also had broader implications beyond the fate of the four accused Métis individuals. It brought increased attention to the issue of the HBC's monopoly on the fur trade, leading to a wider public debate. The trial shed light on the detrimental effects the monopoly had on the Métis, as well as the economic benefits that free trade could provide for the region.
4. Public Support: The Métis garnered significant public support during the trial, with many people sympathizing with their cause. The trial served as a platform to highlight the Métis' grievances against the HBC and allowed their voices to be heard. This public support played a crucial role in the Métis' victory.
Overall, the free-trade trial of 1849 was a victory for the Métis because it showcased their resistance against the HBC's monopoly, resulted in a relatively lenient punishment for the accused, and sparked a broader conversation about the benefits of free trade.