Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-296) and index.
Contents:
Companies, colonialism and frontiers in the new world -- Settlement and society of Vancouver Island Colony -- Indigenous peoples and the Hudson's Bay Company on Vancouver Island -- The economy of Vancouver Island Colony -- Company, crown and governors -- The Hudson's Bay Company governance of Vancouver Island -- Vancouver Island, western Canada and the outside world -- Conclusion: Company, colony, island and frontier.
Summary:
Trading companies played a vital role in colonial endeavour. The great English, Dutch and French merchant companies took the risks of trade and travel in a dangerous world, opening up trading routes to the Farthest corners of the globe. The Hudson's Bay Company was just such an enterprise. Established under a charter granted by Charles II in 1670, with Prince Rupert, the king's cousin, as one of its directors, the company was granted 4m square kilometres of what was to become Canada, over which huge territory they were given sole trading rights.
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