Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel: A Social History of the Militia of Manitoba, 1870-1885 - Paperback

by David W. Grebstad (Author)

At the edge of Canada's expansion into the North-West, a force emerged that would shape not just the borders, but the very culture of Manitoba. Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel reveals how, between 1870 and 1885, the Canadian Militia became a decisive force in transforming this new province into an imperial outpost of the British Empire. Through the lens of daily life in Fort Garry, readers will discover the surprising power the Militia wielded - not only in providing security but in establishing a new social order.

In this richly detailed account, you'll explore how these volunteer soldiers influenced treaty negotiations with First Nations, helped construct a dominant Anglo-Protestant culture, and imposed an Ontario-style elite on the region. But this book also uncovers the darker side of that legacy - exposing ethnic violence cultural domination and the displacement of Métis and French Manitobans.

Culminating in a nuanced account of the Nort-West Rebellion, this book offers a new perspective on the final consolidation of Dominion control in Manitoba. Blending vivid storytelling with sharp analysis, Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel is an essential read or anyone curious about the forces that shaped Canada's Western frontier.