PDF Summary:The Company, by Stephen Bown

The Company by Stephen Bown chronicles the fascinating story of the Hudson's Bay Company, one of the oldest and longest-operating commercial enterprises. The summary details the Company's origins through the explorations of French fur traders Radisson and Groseilliers, who pitched the idea of establishing trading posts along Hudson Bay.

It traces the Company's growth across centuries—its early conflicts with French rivals, its expansion into the North American interior, its dealings and impact on indigenous populations, and its eventual merger with the North West Company. Through the eras of exploration, colonization, and the fur trade, the Hudson's Bay Company played a pivotal role in shaping the history of modern Canada.

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Lord Selkirk, who was a prominent member of the British aristocracy, was himself charged with a series of offences, including resisting arrest and theft, in his effort to defend his colony against the Nor'Westers. In 1820, after Selkirk passed away, the British officials required the merger which resulted in the formation of the entity recognized as the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821. The updated charter broadened the company's exclusive dominion to include a large region within western Canada, reaching all the way to the Pacific coastline. The British authorities required the Company to broaden its authority to encompass not only its employees but also the people living in the regions it had colonized.

Other Perspectives

• The HBC's portrayal as a victim of French hostilities overlooks the broader context of colonial competition where all parties were aggressors seeking to expand their influence and control over territories and trade.
• The depiction of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville as primarily an aggressor against the HBC does not account for his role in protecting and advancing the interests of New France, which would be seen as legitimate from the French perspective.
• The assertion that the Company operated peacefully after Britain took control of New France simplifies the complex interactions with Indigenous peoples, which included conflict and negotiation, not just peaceful trade.
• The idea that the North West Company's recruitment of indigenous traders gave them a strategic advantage could be nuanced by acknowledging that the HBC also had relationships with Indigenous peoples that were beneficial, though perhaps not as effectively leveraged.
• The claim that the British authorities mandated a merger out of necessity overlooks the possibility that economic and political interests of the British elite could have also played a significant role in the decision to merge the HBC and the North West Company.
• The suggestion that the Company had strong ties to British authorities and used its economic power to hire guards could be seen as an oversimplification, as it does not consider the complexities of the relationship between the Company and the British government, which may have included tensions and differing interests.
• The narrative that the Nor'Westers disrupted established trade partnerships might be challenged by the view that trade dynamics were always in flux and that the Nor'Westers were participating in the natural evolution of trade networks and competition.
• The implication that the introduction of financial compensation for fur pelts by the Nor'Westers was purely disruptive does not consider the potential benefits to Indigenous trappers who received compensation, which could have been empowering or economically advantageous for them.
• The criticism of the Nor'Westers for engaging in the brandy market could be countered by the argument that the trade in spirits was a response to market demand, and moral judgments on trade goods reflect contemporary values rather than historical norms.
• The description of the Pemmican War as being sparked by the creation of the Red River Settlement could be nuanced by considering the broader geopolitical and economic factors that contributed to the conflict, rather than attributing it to a single cause.

The growth of the Hudson's Bay Company into North America's heartland significantly impacted the economic and social structures of indigenous populations.

Numerous factors influenced the Company's move to extend its operations inland in the late 1700s.

The search for unexploited fur resources was driven by the necessity to challenge the expanding sway of the North West Company.

Bown examines the significant competitive pressure that the North West Company's focus on interior trade exerted on the Company's longstanding fur trade operations, which had been ongoing for over a century at various locations along the shores of Hudson Bay. The Nor'Westers had established dominance over most of the valuable fur regions by creating a complex network that involved canoe brigades and strategic partnerships, as well as establishing outposts in distant areas, thereby restricting the Company to areas of lesser value. The Company sought to expand its reach by sending explorers to map the lands to the west of Hudson Bay and to create new trading posts deeper into the continent.

The substantial reduction in fur-bearing wildlife around Hudson Bay, coupled with the objective to bypass the need for native intermediaries, were key factors to consider.

After a century of engaging in the fur trade, the beaver population saw a substantial decrease, especially in the areas where the Company operated, including along the rivers leading into Hudson Bay. The Cree living near the Bay's trading outposts established themselves as middlemen within the fur commerce network, leading to increased costs for communities further inland and subsequently raising the price of acquiring top-quality furs. The Company understood that to maintain its profits, it was essential for its traders to penetrate far into remote areas, since dependence on intermediaries was causing financial losses.

Initial explorations into the heartland and the increasing comprehension of its intricate traits.

The journeys undertaken by Kelsey, Henday, and Hearne revealed the diverse cultural and political landscapes present among Indigenous groups.

The Company funded various expeditions by daring explorers who sought to expand its understanding of the interior regions, increase trade, and navigate the land in search of the legendary Northwest Passage, which was thought to provide a route to Asia. Every journey expanded the corporation's understanding of the native communities and the vast landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

During the 1690s, Henry Kelsey traveled from York Factory, tracing the path of the Nelson River to reach Lake Winnipeg, spent the winter close to The Pas, Manitoba, by the Saskatchewan River, and then crossed the prairies, approaching the region near today's Saskatoon, where the Blackfoot people resided. In 1754 and subsequent years, Anthony Henday traveled from York Factory and traversed the prairies, ultimately reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains by following the intricate river systems and pathways integral to the trade and travel of the Indigenous peoples. In 1770, Samuel Hearne embarked on an expedition from Prince of Wales Fort, led by the Indigenous leader and trader Matonabbee, journeying across vast stretches of land to arrive at the Coppermine River and ultimately the Arctic Ocean, thereby spanning a wide area of territory.

The Company's strategic approach was progressively strengthened by establishing positions further from the coast and incorporating the York boat as a crucial component of their supply chain network.

After the three journeys, the Company devised a plan to expand its influence beyond the coastal regions by establishing key locations along routes and channels that could be traversed by canoe. In these areas, the fur commerce was dependent on the established Indigenous pathways and regions that were not known to the company's workers, who did not possess the necessary knowledge. To expand its operations farther inland, the Company turned to a different style of transport: the York boat, which was adapted from a traditional Orkney Islander design. York boats were renowned for their ability to transport large cargoes, with a typical crew of approximately six individuals managing to carry loads up to six thousand pounds. The vessels were utilized not only to transport provisions to trading stations situated inland but also to convey pelts towards the coast, from where they were subsequently sent to London.

The fur trade often had a deeply negative effect on indigenous populations.

The devastating effects of diseases originating in Europe and their unchecked spread.

Bown depicts how a range of European infectious diseases, including smallpox, measles, influenza, and whooping cough, expanded westward, advancing in tandem with the burgeoning fur trade industry. Epidemics, particularly smallpox, had a catastrophic effect, with mortality rates exceeding fifty percent in native communities. Following a series of disease outbreaks, many villages and settlements near Lake Winnipeg, along with those in the Saskatchewan and Red River basins, were deserted.

The impact of the fur trade profoundly transformed the economic systems of Indigenous communities, fostering dependency on European goods and leading to a shift away from their ancestral lifestyles.

The introduction of factory-made goods through the fur trade transformed traditional lifestyles and economic practices among Indigenous communities in the northwest, as these goods were easier to obtain than producing their own tools and utensils. Indigenous communities participated in the capture of beavers and pursued different creatures to acquire their fur. The economic importance of beaver pelts, highly prized by indigenous groups, led to an increase in hunting and trapping activities, which in turn prompted a shift in the techniques used.

The trade in firearms significantly altered the dynamics of power among communities, leading to intensified disputes and a rise in the capture of individuals, as many Indigenous tribes sought to strengthen their ranks and safeguard their territories by seizing members from opposing groups. The fur trade led to significant upheavals within societal structures. As the Company established new outposts, the number of settlers in the surrounding areas expanded, and as time passed, they became more dependent on the Company for goods and services, diminishing their earlier independence. The ease with which furs could be conveyed to trade centers and swapped for easily portable manufactured goods had a considerable impact on the economic landscape.

The onset of alcohol consumption contributed to societal disturbances and the erosion of communal solidarity.

The North West Company's competitive spirit and the ease with which distilled spirits could be transported led to a decline in the initial opposition to alcohol trade, thereby increasing its availability and challenging the preservation of societal norms and the protection of indigenous communities. In 1821, when the company became a single entity, the British authorities banned the sale of potent spirits in the regions under the Company's control; although Simpson managed to reduce this trade, the enduring appetite for these substances still negatively impacted many communities for years thereafter.

Other Perspectives

• The Hudson's Bay Company's expansion may have also provided new opportunities for trade and intercultural exchange for some Indigenous groups, leading to complex, multifaceted relationships rather than solely negative impacts.
• The Company's inland expansion was not solely a strategic move to challenge the North West Company but also a response to broader economic trends and the global demand for furs.
• While the decline in wildlife and the desire to bypass native intermediaries were factors, the Company's expansion may also have been influenced by the pursuit of new markets and trading partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
• The explorations of Kelsey, Henday, and Hearne, while revealing, may also have been influenced by their own cultural biases and may not have fully captured the diversity and complexity of Indigenous political structures.
• The use of York boats and the establishment of inland positions could be seen as an adaptation to the geographical challenges of the region, demonstrating the Company's ability to innovate in response to logistical challenges.
• The spread of European diseases was a tragic consequence of contact, but some Indigenous communities developed strategies to cope with and survive these epidemics.
• The fur trade did lead to dependency on European goods, but it also allowed some Indigenous communities to gain access to new technologies and goods that could be beneficial.
• The introduction of firearms and other European goods into Indigenous societies did change power dynamics, but Indigenous communities were not passive victims; they actively engaged in and sometimes controlled the terms of these exchanges.
• The issue of alcohol trade is complex; while it had negative effects, it was also a commodity that some Indigenous individuals and communities sought out and used for their own purposes, including as a trade item.

The fur trade was significantly influenced by exploration, cartography, and the comprehension of geographical landscapes.

The first voyages embarked towards Hudson Bay, seeking the fabled sea lane referred to as the Northwest Passage.

The expeditions led by Hudson, Button, James, Foxe, and Middleton were pivotal in advancing knowledge and improving the mapping of the Bay.

Bown delves into the fervent initial endeavors aimed at uncovering a navigable passage across North America to enhance connectivity with the East, sparking a century of exploratory ventures in the continent's northern regions. In the early 1600s, sea voyages into Hudson Bay's waters, although unsuccessful in uncovering a lucrative route to Asia, established that English ships could navigate these seas and encountered indigenous communities possessing beaver pelts of significant worth.

Henry Hudson sailed into Hudson Bay in 1610 and mapped its eastern shore. In 1612, Thomas Button embarked on a journey to explore the western areas of Hudson Bay and determined that the southern territories did not provide a navigable route. In 1631, Thomas James embarked on a voyage to explore the western areas of Hudson Bay and James Bay, aiming to discover a pathway that would facilitate a direct western passage to the territories governed by the Japanese Emperor. In 1631, Luke Foxe embarked on a voyage across the Foxe Basin with the aim of discovering a western route. In 1741, Christopher Middleton led two ships on an expedition to find a passable route through the northern region of the American continent, navigating into the waters of Foxe Basin.

The stories of these expeditions, while not yielding significant financial gain, inspired further explorations and contributed to the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Despite the early expeditions in search of a Northwest Passage being fraught with difficulties, including numerous sailors perishing from lack of food, illness, and severe climatic conditions, their accounts significantly improved Europe's knowledge of the geography, climate, and people around Hudson Bay. They showcased the efficiency of using maritime routes to convey merchandise and people to regions adjacent to Hudson Bay, while also participating in commerce involving fur with the local Indigenous populations. The stories of their perseverance and grit, coupled with detailed descriptions of the unforgiving landscape and the trials of surviving in an uncharted region, enthralled readers in Europe and sparked interest among merchants and patrons.

Upon their return from the inland journey in 1660, Radisson and Groseilliers unintentionally reignited English ambitions for a northwest passage by proposing the creation of trading stations along the coasts of Hudson Bay, thus allowing for direct sea routes that would bypass the French colonial territories in North America. The prospect of uncovering a transcontinental route that might provide access to the East, coupled with the potential for monetary rewards, proved irresistibly enticing.

Company envoys and laborers played a crucial role in mapping and exploring the inner areas.

The exploratory efforts of Mackenzie broadened our understanding of geographic limits.

A century after its founding, Bown describes how the Company ventured into unknown regions in search of new fur sources, strengthening its position in the competitive market against the North West Company. A band of intrepid fur traders and envoys journeyed into the heart of the region, meticulously mapping and recording its characteristics to fulfill these criteria.

Samuel Hearne's journey in 1770 to the Coppermine River, under the guidance of the native trader Matonabbee, resulted in the first European account of the Arctic Ocean derived from firsthand experience. Peter Pond traveled along the waterway commonly known as the Mackenzie River. The commencement of trade in the Athabasca region in the 1770s stimulated beneficial economic interactions for the people of Canada. The expeditions of Alexander Mackenzie in 1789 and 1793, first to the Arctic and then to the Pacific, fundamentally changed the understanding of the geography of North America.

David Thompson's meticulous work in mapping and evaluating the terrain was vital to the modern understanding of western North America.

Bown recounts how David Thompson's dedication to mapping the Canadian West was driven by his deep involvement in both exploration and the fur trading sector. Thompson dedicated many years to thorough exploration and mapping of North America's western territories by establishing survey markers through exact astronomical measurements. Many of these travels were shared with his young wife, Charlotte, and their growing family. The comprehensive collection of observational data by Thompson included accurate celestial measurements, detailed records of distances covered, and descriptions of indigenous peoples, as well as the mapping of waterways and mountain passes.

He then used the information to meticulously craft a map that was ten feet wide, depicting the northwestern region. Thompson's map, driven by his thirst for understanding and unwavering dedication to accuracy, turned into a vital strategic resource for the Nor'Westers, and later the amalgamated Company, facilitating the establishment of networks for trade and transit across the territory while pinpointing its natural assets. The compilation provided a groundbreaking visual compilation of data, previously unavailable, showcasing the initial accurate depictions of the region, with precise scales.

European societies were able to assert dominance over vast territories due to their superior understanding of geography and mapmaking.

Bown underscores the significance of cartography, highlighting its role in expanding European sovereignty and trade influence over vast territories, similar to the control exerted through the commerce of pelts. The maps played a crucial role in shaping their understanding and control of the region. The charting of North America's western territories played a pivotal role in the European settlement of these regions.

Before the arrival of explorers from distant regions, numerous Indigenous groups, especially those situated along the shoreline and those living further inland, seldom engaged with each other. Commerce and the transportation of merchandise largely followed the natural landscape, stretching from the northern regions down to the southern delta of the Fraser River. The detailed cartography work conducted by Thompson, particularly regarding Athabasca Pass, had considerable political consequences. The charts showed a feasible route that connected the eastern and western territories, confirming the potential to reach the shores of the Pacific through a mix of water and overland journeys. The British, armed with this insight, solidified their dominance west of the Rocky Mountains to counteract the territorial aspirations of the United States in that area.

Other Perspectives

• The assertion that Indigenous groups seldom engaged with each other before the arrival of explorers could be challenged by evidence of pre-existing trade networks and alliances among Indigenous peoples that may not have been as visible or documented by European standards.
• The idea that European societies asserted dominance solely due to superior understanding of geography and mapmaking might overlook other factors such as military force, disease, and the establishment of trade monopolies that also played significant roles.
• The emphasis on European explorers in mapping and understanding the geography could understate the contributions and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, who often guided and shared their expertise with the explorers.
• The narrative that the fur trade and exploration were primarily beneficial in expanding knowledge and commerce might be critiqued for not fully addressing the negative impacts on Indigenous populations, including displacement, cultural disruption, and the ecological effects of the fur trade.
• The claim that cartography played a crucial role in expanding European sovereignty could be seen as a Eurocentric perspective, not acknowledging the complex systems of land stewardship and territorial rights that existed among Indigenous peoples before European maps imposed new borders.
• The focus on the importance of European mapmaking in asserting control might be contested by suggesting that actual control came through physical presence, military conquest, and economic dominance rather than merely through the act of mapping.
• The idea that the expeditions did not yield significant financial gain initially could be nuanced by considering the long-term economic impacts and the eventual establishment of profitable trade routes and companies that capitalized on these early explorations.

The Hudson's Bay Company's evolution, innovative commercial tactics, and lasting impact.

In the 1800s, the transformation of the Company was significantly influenced by George Simpson.

The merger of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company endowed Simpson and his enterprise with unmatched authority over the extensive territories of western and northern North America.

Bown highlights the mandatory merger between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company in 1821, a pivotal event that reshaped the fur trade industry and played a crucial role in shaping the emergence of Canada's national identity. British authorities grew concerned that their waning influence over the Company could hinder their ability to prevent the advance of American settlers moving westward and northward amidst growing conflicts in the regions linked to the fur business. In 1821, the government intervened to consolidate the rival factions, securing the ongoing operations of the combined entity known as the Hudson's Bay Company. The nascent Company received from the government an exclusive trading mandate that spanned the extensive western and northern regions of North America, reaching as far as the Pacific coastline.

The Company was also responsible for encouraging colonization and ensuring peace and stability across its lands, duties that frequently conflicted with its commercial interests. George Simpson earned his reputation within the Company through his rise to the role of inland governor, marked by his unwavering resolve and skillfulness. Simpson embarked on his fur trade endeavors independently, without affiliations to any of the existing companies. Before joining the Company and influencing its operations in western Canada with the same discriminatory principles, he gained considerable knowledge in international trade logistics and experienced the severe biases that were rampant in the London sugar brokerage sector where he worked as a clerk. Simpson implemented his plan for securing sole trading privileges by creating a robust and efficient structure within the organization, ensuring the phased-out use of canoes and meticulously regulating beaver populations to align with European market needs, as he meticulously monitored the company's operations.

Simpson's method of streamlining management and centralizing authority, coupled with his individual characteristics, led to significant changes in business procedures and revolutionized the corporate culture.

Simpson's influence was crucial in forming the historical narrative of the Company. He exhibited sharp commercial acumen and upheld a commanding demeanor, demanding absolute fidelity and esteem from his staff. He journeyed widely throughout the vast territories of the Company, from the shores of Hudson Bay to the Arctic's cold regions, and extended his reach to the Pacific Northwest, where he carefully executed his business plans and scrutinized the company's operations to pinpoint and cut out any superfluous or extravagant costs. He restructured the transportation system, introducing larger York boats in place of the nimble canoes, enhanced the financial record-keeping procedures, and demanded prompt adherence from his representatives, as well as seeking to control all facets of his workers' lives.

Simpson implemented measures to reduce expenses, notably by removing what he deemed unnecessary condiments such as sauces and pickles from the officers' dining area. The company's guiding principles, influenced by the prejudicial standards associated with the slave trade, resulted in the gradual sidelining of native communities and their eventual demotion to a lower standing.

Simpson's aggressive strategies hastened the decline of self-governance within native populations.

Bown argues that Simpson's unyielding quest for supremacy and his drive to consolidate power profoundly affected the native communities. He viewed the native populations as just another asset to be managed and exploited for the financial benefit of the Company, akin to the exploitation of animals for their fur. He introduced policies to restrict the commerce involving beaver furs, framing these steps as efforts to conserve wildlife, which simultaneously enabled the management and control over the activities of Indigenous populations, thus ensuring the enduring prosperity of the company.

He viewed the local populations as an obstacle to efficient governance and was of the opinion that their transition to a lifestyle considered more "civilized" or Christian, which was encouraged by the many missionaries he allowed to operate within the Company's domains, would provide the answer. This approach led to a reduced appreciation for many native customs and created a social order in which people with mixed heritage were often relegated to lower-ranking roles. Simpson's disdain was most apparent when he derisively referred to people of mixed heritage, which was arguably the most deplorable aspect of his viewpoint.

The organization functioned to advance the interests of British imperialism.

As the British intensified their efforts to protect their western lands, the Company increasingly engaged in territorial negotiations and started to contribute to the administration.

As the 19th century unfolded, Bown observes that the Company's growing influence simultaneously magnified Britain's colonial aspirations and their business pursuits. While the United States pursued its westward expansion and implemented political tactics to obstruct its territorial ambitions, the Company faced responsibilities that clashed with its commercial goals, including managing colonization initiatives and establishing British legal authority throughout its territories. As communities grew, their expansion led to the degradation of territories that were once conducive to a flourishing fur trade amidst thinly scattered populations.

The Company's waning influence in Old Oregon was shaped by its simultaneous dedication to promoting settlement and its efforts to maintain its peltry business.

Bown emphasizes that the British endeavors to expand their political sway throughout North America's northwestern territories were akin to the territorial ambitions of the Americans. The pursuit of gold in California led both the British and American administrations to assert their control over the ambiguously defined territory known as Old Oregon. The Company, after founding Fort Vancouver in 1825 and under the firm leadership of its agent Simpson, worked diligently to thwart American settlement attempts while simultaneously attempting to maintain its fur trade and relationships with the native populations, a dual effort that was, in the end, fated to fail.

The commercial establishments of the Company were regarded by the British colonial rulers as an initial step toward full political domination. The Company's singular concentration on trade led it to consistently discourage the formation of stable settlements by its workers and local populations over a span exceeding a century. In this context, it operated just like any other entity focused solely on commerce. The Company's decline in Old Oregon hastened due to contradictory instructions, especially since its envoy disregarded the London Committee's commands and extended credit to numerous settlers from America.

The Company's control ultimately led to the incorporation of its territories into Canada and the end of its exclusive trading privileges.

Bown recounts how a combination of factors, including the increase in gold hunting, the growth of unrestricted commerce, and shifts in the governance across North America, culminated in the end of the Company's monopoly on trade. The downturn in the fur industry cannot be attributed only to external factors. The growing population of people with both Indigenous and European heritage, coupled with the emergence of independent economic systems trading with the United States, indicated that the Company's longstanding trade methods were becoming untenable. The Company faced obstacles in attracting proficient traders and explorers due to its practices that impeded individuals with Indigenous and mixed ancestry from ascending to positions of leadership.

In 1869, after a probe into their business practices and numerous complaints about their market dominance, the Company agreed to surrender its charter, and in the following year, its vast territories were transferred to Canada in exchange for a nominal sum and significant land holdings. The esteemed company's fall from grace, although probably inescapable due to the growth of human habitation and the reduction in beaver populations, was hastened by George Simpson's tyrannical and despotic leadership. His fervent pursuit to please a handful of London investors compromised the company's standing and undermined the vital alliances it depended on.

Other Perspectives

• The merger of the Hudson's Bay Company with the North West Company, while significant, may not have been the sole factor in shaping Canada's national identity, as other political, social, and economic factors also played crucial roles.
• The government's intervention in the fur trade may have been driven by a variety of motives, not solely the prevention of American westward expansion, such as economic interests or the desire to assert sovereignty.
• While George Simpson's leadership had a transformative effect on the Hudson's Bay Company, attributing the revolution of corporate culture solely to him may overlook the contributions of other individuals and broader economic trends of the time.
• The decline of self-governance within native populations was a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including broader colonial policies, not just the strategies of the Hudson's Bay Company or George Simpson.
• Simpson's policies towards native populations were part of a larger colonial framework, and while they had significant impacts, they were not the only factor affecting the lives and governance of Indigenous peoples.
• The role of the Hudson's Bay Company in advancing British imperialism was intertwined with broader British colonial policy, and the Company's actions should be considered within this larger context.
• The Company's influence in Old Oregon and its eventual decline involved a range of factors, including international politics and changing economic conditions, not just the Company's internal policies or the actions of its agents.
• The incorporation of the Company's territories into Canada and the end of its trading privileges were influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including changing political landscapes and economic realities, beyond the Company's control or any single individual's actions.