Louis Riel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Louis Riel - Essay Example At one point, he attempted taking legal studies, but these attempts failed (Thomas 1887, p. 35-67).1 Despite the failed attempts to study religious studies and legal studies, Riel continued to give his opinion on issues of religion and political reforms. When giving his opinions, Riel appeared to be contended with whatever he said, and he never allowed anyone to oppose his opinions. His discussions were done using a strong command of languages. Riel was talented in catching the attention of his listeners through creating a sense of his importance. One notable thing about Riel was his understanding of dangers associated with engaging in physical wars despite his use of violent speeches. Majority of people living in the Red River knew Riel due to his popularity in engaging in matters of politics and religion (Thomas 1887, p. 35-67).1 Louis Riel and the Red River Rebellion In 1869, the Canadian government signed the Canadian Act of 1869, which introduced a provisional government for the colony in the Red River. This move by the Canadian government was not welcome by many settlers of the Red River. Riel was the fast to oppose the government’s move. Using his religious doctrines and political opinions, he challenged his fellow Half-breeds to stand strong and resist the Canadian authorities. The Half-breeds believed that the government’s move aimed at getting properties out of the Half-breeds living in Canada. The rebellion formed by Riel was done through mobilizing a few Half-breeds and instructing government surveyors to stop their work in the Red River (Lewis 2000, par. 1-25).2 After managing to stop the surveyors from carrying out their job, Riel and his group later seized Fort Garry, which held a company for military supplies and rifles. Later, a meeting for all Half-breeds living in Red River was convened, and people in attendance were convinced to adopt a proposed â€Å"bill of rights.† The proposed â€Å"bill of right† had fifteen provisions, which addressed the plight of the 2Half-breeds. When closing the convention, Riel proposed the formation of a provisional government, of which he would be the head. All this time, he was acting as the secretary general to a provisional government that believed to be in power after the inception of the rebellion. At one point, Riel warned people in Canadian authorities against intruding territories within the Red River (Lewis 2000, par. 1-25).2 Once the military operations within the seized Fort Garry came to an end, Riel became the master of the territory for close to six months. Settlers living in the Red River were in full support of Riel’s proposals, but his intentions of creating an independent government with him as the head left many settlers with a lot of questions. Many settlers thought that Riel had a strong will in fighting for the rights proposed in the â€Å"bill of rights† rather than calling for an independent republic. Furthermore, Riel showe d a lot of cruelty when dealing with people who opposed his ideas. He went to the extent of ordering the shooting of such people. At one time, Riel ordered for the shooting of an Orangeman of which it was later discovered that the shooting was motivated by personal differences. The shooting of the Orangeman aroused fellow Orangemen living in Upper Canada. The heightened mood in Upper regions of Canada caused the English government to interfere in the issue (Thomas 1887, p. 35-67).3 The colonial