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The Trial of Louis Riel

The Trial of Louis Riel. Louis Riel’s trial in 1885 , aroused great excitement and interest across Canada It was held in Regina and called “the most important trial in Canadian history” The Jury ? 6 white, English, Protestant settlers ** Riel was Metis , French, Catholic….

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The Trial of Louis Riel

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  1. The Trial of Louis Riel

  2. Louis Riel’s trial in 1885, aroused great excitement and interest across Canada • It was held in Regina and called “the most important trial in Canadian history” • The Jury? 6 white, English, Protestant settlers ** Riel was Metis, French, Catholic….

  3. Riel’s lawyer wanted him to plead “insanity” – then he could not be held legally responsible for his actions - lawyer thought is was the only way to save him • Riel refused to plead insanity – he thought this plea would be a disgrace and make the Metis look foolish for following an insane man

  4. In Ontario– Riel was a rebel who had taken up arms against the govt. - they remembered the execution of Thomas Scott and wanted Riel hanged • In Quebec – Riel was a hero who had fought to protect the rights of the Metis

  5. The jury took only 1 hour and 20 minutes to find Riel guilty and sentence him to death • Letters poured into Ottawa after the verdict protesting the death sentence • John A. Macdonald was in a difficult position: - if Riel was hanged?Quebec angry and Conservatives might lose their support - if Riel was not hanged?Ontario angry and Conservatives might lose their support

  6. SO…Macdonald decided to take his chances on losing support in Quebec • November 16, 1885 – Riel was hanged in a Regina jail • In English Canada – people gathered to hear the news • In French Canada – flags at half mast, pictures of Riel in windows, students shouting “glory to Riel” in the streets, likenesses of J.A.M burned, newspapers blamed J.A.M for his “murder”

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