North west resistance
The North-West Resistance 1885
The Battle of Batoche
The battle at Batoche lasted for four days, from May 9 to May 12. There 300 Metis and First Nations that participated in this battle. They dug rifle pits, and fired at Middleton’s Troops. By the last day of the battle the Metis and First Nations were out of ammunition. They started firing stones and nails from their rifles. Middleton’s troops invaded the rifle pits and the battle was over. There were over 25 dead from both sides
Cut Knife Hill
The Battle of Cut Knife Hill occurred on May 2nd. Colonel Otter men located Chief Poundmaker and about 200 followers. Otter had planned to make a surprise attack however, word of the attack spread and the Cree were ready for them. The Cree managed to drive Otter and his men off. Poundmaker’s man had every chance to kill Otter, and his men but Poundmaker seized them and allowed the soldiers to go back to the battlefield. He saw no honor in killing an enemy that had already been defeated. Both riel and Durmont managed to escape. Riel surrendered after a few days, but Durmont fled to the United States. Poundmaker decided to travel to Batoche to help the metis with the battle. On the way there he heard of their defeat, and realized there was no point in continuing resistance. Poundmaker surrendered to Middleton on May 26th.
Frenchman’s Butte
On May 28th Chief Big Bear and his men fought with General Strange’s soldiers at Frenchman’s Butte. Strange’s soldiers withdrew at the end of the day, with the plan continue battle the next day. Big bear and his men were low on ammunition, and saw this as the perfect opportunity to escape. They took advantage of the stillness in action and escaped while they still had the chance. General Strange, and General Middleton both made attempts to find Chief Big bear, but were unsuccessful. The battle was a victory for the Cree, although a small one. It bought them time to escape from Strange, but the rebellion was hopeless. On July 2nd
The Battle of Batoche
The battle at Batoche lasted for four days, from May 9 to May 12. There 300 Metis and First Nations that participated in this battle. They dug rifle pits, and fired at Middleton’s Troops. By the last day of the battle the Metis and First Nations were out of ammunition. They started firing stones and nails from their rifles. Middleton’s troops invaded the rifle pits and the battle was over. There were over 25 dead from both sides
Cut Knife Hill
The Battle of Cut Knife Hill occurred on May 2nd. Colonel Otter men located Chief Poundmaker and about 200 followers. Otter had planned to make a surprise attack however, word of the attack spread and the Cree were ready for them. The Cree managed to drive Otter and his men off. Poundmaker’s man had every chance to kill Otter, and his men but Poundmaker seized them and allowed the soldiers to go back to the battlefield. He saw no honor in killing an enemy that had already been defeated. Both riel and Durmont managed to escape. Riel surrendered after a few days, but Durmont fled to the United States. Poundmaker decided to travel to Batoche to help the metis with the battle. On the way there he heard of their defeat, and realized there was no point in continuing resistance. Poundmaker surrendered to Middleton on May 26th.
Frenchman’s Butte
On May 28th Chief Big Bear and his men fought with General Strange’s soldiers at Frenchman’s Butte. Strange’s soldiers withdrew at the end of the day, with the plan continue battle the next day. Big bear and his men were low on ammunition, and saw this as the perfect opportunity to escape. They took advantage of the stillness in action and escaped while they still had the chance. General Strange, and General Middleton both made attempts to find Chief Big bear, but were unsuccessful. The battle was a victory for the Cree, although a small one. It bought them time to escape from Strange, but the rebellion was hopeless. On July 2nd