Louis Riel: A Hero Or Villain?

Louis Riel Essay

Do you think Louis Riel is a hero or villain? I believe that Riel is a hero because he stood up for the rights of the Metis to the Canadian government during the Red River Settlement and the Northwest Rebellion. He was a great leader who would do anything for his people, even if he had to sacrifice himself. However, in the view of the government people think he’s the complete opposite. Louis Riel did go against the government and do many illegal things, but it was all for his people. In the end of the day he did everything for the Metis and I find that the big reason why he is a hero.

Louis Riel should be seen as a hero because he stood up for the rights of the Metis to the Canadian government during the Red River Settlement. During

For example, on December 7th Riel and his followers surrounded a store owned by Dr. John Schultz to obtain their supply of food. Then Schutz surrendered and Riel locked the people at the store in the Fort and kept them as prisoners. Additionally, the administration of the Hudson 's Bay Company failed because of the illegal and rebellious actions of Louis Riel and his followers. These acts made the Canadian government very angry and thought of Riel as a villain. Lastly, during the Red River Resistance of 1869-1870, the government believes that Riel executed Thomas Scott. Terrified and worried because of that incident, Louis Riel escaped to the United States in 1870 when the Metis needed him the most. When Riel came back, responsibility had to be taken for Riel 's actions. There was a fine of $5000 for whoever finds the murderer of Thomas Scott. For that reason, Louis had to spend 5 years out of Canada. He was banished from Canada and still came since at one point of his life he became insane thinking that he was a prophet. These illegal acts were not acceptable and in the end, he got hung up from these acts of