Unit 2

Klondike Gold Rush

Lesson 14

How did relations with the United States impact Canada?

Throughout the late 1890s and early 1900s, Canada was struggling with its international relationships including facing pressures from the United States.

Klondike Gold Rush

In 1896, gold was discovered in the Klondike. The Klondike was an area in present-day Yukon. It was near the border with Alaska, which was part of the United States. In mid-August of 1896, an American prospector and two members of his Tagish First Nation family discovered a large gold deposit at Rabbit Creek in the Klondike. News of their discovery travelled quickly, bringing gold prospectors from around the world. A majority came from the United States. Reaching the gold deposits was a challenging journey, and most made the trip in winter. The North-West Mounted Police allowed only prospectors who had one year’s supply of food to cross the Canadian border. Many prospectors had to make 20 or 30 trips up and down steep mountain passes to transport their supplies. Between 1897 and 1898, an estimated 20 000 to 30 000 prospectors travelled through the Chilkoot Pass, shown in the picture. What dangers can you see that the prospectors faced?

IMPACT ON FIRST NATIONS

In 1898, the small settlement of Dawson City grew from a population of just under 5000 to approximately 16 000 people. It became the largest Canadian city west of Winnipeg and earned the nickname “Paris of the North.” The streets were filled with merchants selling imported foods, expensive clothing, and other luxuries to the newly rich who paid with gold dust. Theatres and dance halls provided entertainment. But the rapid influx of people searching for gold had far-reaching effects on the people already living in the region. Some members of the Tlingit First Nation provided assistance to gold prospectors. Examine the photo below. Why do you think prospectors needed First Nations’ help packing and carrying supplies, and accessing the gold fields?

The cultural impact of the gold rush on First Nations was significant. The increased population in the region put a great deal of pressure on their food sources and drastically altered the natural landscape. The threat of famine and disease increased, especially among the Han, Gwich’in, and Tutchone First Nations. The government of Canada did little to lessen the human and environmental impact of the gold rush. Read the statement from Yukon Territory lawyer T.W. Jackson. Jackson was hired by Chief Jim Boss to represent the interests of the First Nation of Lake Laberge. Why do you think Chief Boss hired a local lawyer rather than present his nation’s concerns to the Canadian government himself ?

AFTERMATH OF THE KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH

The Yukon Territory was formed in 1898 as a result of the gold rush. Of the 100 000 men and women who set out for the Klondike, only 30 000 made it. Some gave up partway through the journey and turned back. Others died from disease, the cold, and avalanches. Of those who made it, only 4000 struck gold. In the summer of 1899, about 8000 people left Dawson City when news spread of gold deposits discovered in Alaska. At the peak of the gold rush, the Yukon Territory’s population was an estimated 40 000 people. By 1911, the population had decreased to about 8500, with 3000 of those living in Dawson City. The population continued to drop after that.

What impact might such sudden population changes have had on the people living int he region before and after the gold rush?

DISPUTE OVER THE ALASKA BOUNDARY

The northwest coastal boundary between the United States and Canada had been in question since before Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. The discovery of gold in the Klondike around the turn of the century increased the need to establish a clear boundary. Laurier wanted to create a Canadian port that would serve the gold rush in the Yukon Territory. Because Canada was still a dominion of Britain, it could not negotiate a settlement of the border on its own. Instead, Canada had to follow the direction of the British government. After several years of discussion, an international joint commission decided the location of the border. The six-member panel was made up of three Americans, two Canadians, and one British representative. Examine the map below. Which nation seems to have gained more from the final boundary decision? Why do you think this?

Sir Wilfrid Laurier

Canada's seventh prime minister from 1896 to 1911.

The panel members voted 4 to 2 in favour of the United States’ claim. The British representative had sided with the Americans. The final boundary ensured that the United States still controlled the mouths of all rivers entering the Pacific Ocean north of Graham Island, British Columbia.

SHIFTING PRIORITIES, CHANGING LOYALTIES

The Alaska boundary dispute marked a rare time when English Canadians joined French Canadians in questioning ties with Britain. The Alaska boundary dispute led to a growing sense of nationalism in Canada. Canadians were frustrated by having to negotiate with the United States through Britain. Canada wanted greater independence and control over its own affairs.

CHECK IN

Identify reasons why the Klondike gold rush was significant to Canada.

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