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Riel did not kill Scott. He was killed by firing squad after being convicted of a capital offense by a court with 7 judges, 5 of which agreed with the execution.

But Riel could have stopped it and he did not. In fact he is recorded as saying that "Canada must respect us."

We look at history as if there was only ever one path for it to take but this isn't how history is created. Riel could not see the future.

Without the ability to see the future Riel could not tell that Canada was prepared to invade and take land and lives regardless of how moral or justified they were.

Taking a life was the act of a legitimate government. A government of the people. The very same legitimacy would be claimed by Canada for killing Riel even though they did not have the backing, support, or votes of the people.

From a government point of view there is no reason to not have Scott killed if he was guilty.

Was Scott guilty of the charges? It is interesting that Canada, the victors that label Riel with Scotts murder, rarely challenge Scotts guilt. Clearly he was guilty. He was a threat to many people, and the government. If he had carried on in Canada as he did in Rupert's Land or Red River, he could have easily been convicted and faced the same fate.

Should Riel have stepped in and prevented the execution as he had done with Boulton? No.

Only hindsight suggests Riels government should have accepted the revolt, and threats.

On the other hand........

The trial was less than fair, even if Scott was guilty and Riel's government did not need to exercise the ultimate power to prove it's legitimacy. In fact doing so may have undermined it's authority. Scott could have been banished or shackled in solitary where he would have presented no threat and still represented the power of the peoples government.

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Q: Should riel have killed Thomas Scott?
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When Louis Riel killed Scott?

NOTE: Louis Riel did not personally kill Thomas Scott. Scott was executed by firing squad.Thomas Scott was in jail because he was captured while leading an armed force with the intention of overthrowing Riel's government. He was killed because he was the most violent prisoner there and he made death threats to Louis Riel, he escaped and said he would return and kill Louis Riel so Riel killed him because he was afraid that if he didn't Thomas Scott would kill him. While Riel did not reach out and shoot Scott himself he did order it and the reason certainly includes fear. It also includes authority. Riel was a leader selected by some of those who lived in the area to be part of the government representing the citizens.Those who did not recognize that government's authority were threats to the government and people. One of the best ways to assert a government's authority is to use force, to kill people, a right governments had automatically in those days.That Riel had the backing of most of the people in Manitoba was proven when, after Manitoba was made a province, he was elected as an MP even though he was in exile.


What are differences and similarities between Louis Riel and Thomas Scott?

Thomas Scott and Louis Riel both lived in Red River around 1869. They also were both powerful public speakers for opposite parties. Louis Riel believed that the Metis should have a voice and Scott did not. Scott came from Ireland where they believed that Catholics should not have a voice, so his prejudice probably developed from that controversy in his own country. Louis Riel also drafted The Metis List of Rights. Riel viewed Scott as a threat and ordered his provisional government to arrest him, where he was found guilty of treason, and executed in 1870


Was Louis reil a good person?

it depends on your perspective. if you're on the English side, then Louis riel was a pest. if you're on the french side, then Louis riel was a great hero who defended their rights.


Why was Louis Riel a bad guy?

Because of his political leadership of the Métis during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, Louis Riel was tried and convicted of having committed an act of treason, for which he was hanged.


Who killed Louis Riel?

Louis Riel was convicted of treason and, despite a recommendation by the jury for mercy, was hanged on November 16, 1885.

Related questions

What impact did Thomas Scott have on Louis Riel?

Thomas Scott threatened to kill Louis Riel, which led Thomas to be killed.


Who did Louis riel kill?

Thomas Scott. =============== Wrong. Riel did not kill Thomas Scott. Ambroise Lépine was the man who killed Thomas Scott on March 4, 1870. Riel did not kill anybody.


When was Thomas Scott executed?

Thomas Scott was killed by Louis Riel on March, 4th 1870.


Why was Lois Riel exucated?

Louis riel was haug because he killed thomas Scott who was a bad person and killed lot's of people.


When Louis Riel killed Scott?

NOTE: Louis Riel did not personally kill Thomas Scott. Scott was executed by firing squad.Thomas Scott was in jail because he was captured while leading an armed force with the intention of overthrowing Riel's government. He was killed because he was the most violent prisoner there and he made death threats to Louis Riel, he escaped and said he would return and kill Louis Riel so Riel killed him because he was afraid that if he didn't Thomas Scott would kill him. While Riel did not reach out and shoot Scott himself he did order it and the reason certainly includes fear. It also includes authority. Riel was a leader selected by some of those who lived in the area to be part of the government representing the citizens.Those who did not recognize that government's authority were threats to the government and people. One of the best ways to assert a government's authority is to use force, to kill people, a right governments had automatically in those days.That Riel had the backing of most of the people in Manitoba was proven when, after Manitoba was made a province, he was elected as an MP even though he was in exile.


When did Thomas Scott - Orangeman - die?

Thomas Scott was executed by a firing squad on march 4 1870, not by Louis Riel, although Riel had initially decided to.


Why was Thomas Scott arrested?

Thomas Scott was arrested and executed in 1870 in Canada for his involvement in the Red River Rebellion. He was seen as a threat by Louis Riel and the Métis, who were fighting for their rights and land. Scott's harsh treatment of the Métis and his refusal to cooperate led to his arrest and subsequent death.


When and where did Louis Riel kill Thomas Scott?

Louis Riel was involved in the execution of Thomas Scott on March 4, 1870, during the Red River Rebellion in Fort Garry, Manitoba, which is now part of Winnipeg. Scott was a prisoner at the time, and his execution sparked controversy and had significant political consequences.


Why did Louis riel executed thomas Scott?

Louis Riel ordered the execution of Thomas Scott during the Red River Resistance in 1870 because Scott repeatedly defied Riel's authority and was seen as a threat to the Métis provisional government. Riel believed that by executing Scott, he could send a message to the Canadian government and maintain control over the resistance movement.


What did Thomas Scott do to make Louis Riel kill him?

Louis Riel did not kill Thomas Scott. --------------------------------- Riel's government had Scott tried for defying the governments authority. Five of the seven members of the court, lead by Lieutenant A. Lapine, voted for the execution. Another government, from far away, representing other people, acted on their authority and traveled to the West and killed Riel. It was that government that gave us the narrative that Riel killed Scott. The reasons for Scotts execution, as for Riel's are many. Scott was violent and challenging the validity of the government selected by local people. He was also threatening life's and had already escaped and make it clear that should he be released or escape again he would kill many people, particularly Catholic people no doubt. Fear was part of the reason, and it was important that people respect the legitimate government of the people.


What are differences and similarities between Louis Riel and Thomas Scott?

Thomas Scott and Louis Riel both lived in Red River around 1869. They also were both powerful public speakers for opposite parties. Louis Riel believed that the Metis should have a voice and Scott did not. Scott came from Ireland where they believed that Catholics should not have a voice, so his prejudice probably developed from that controversy in his own country. Louis Riel also drafted The Metis List of Rights. Riel viewed Scott as a threat and ordered his provisional government to arrest him, where he was found guilty of treason, and executed in 1870


Who wanted to kill louis riel?

Canada, but Thomas Scott make it clear that he wanted to kill Riel personally.