"The Northwest Coast was irrevocably changed the day that Captain James Cook sailed into Nootka Sound in 1778. Cook's discovery of the sea otter population along the coast initiated the maritime fur trade, which in turn led to feverish competition among several nations, especially Britain, Russia, and the United States, as well as the celebrated rivalry between Spain and Britain for control of Nootka. By 1812, a toehold of British empire was established, and the aboriginal way of life was shattered." "The Northwest Coast documents Britain's rise to pre-eminence in this far-flung corner of empire. It shows how the relentless activities of its commercial interests, the adroit use of its naval power, and the steely resolve of its diplomats secured British claims to dominion and rights to trade along the Northwest Coast. Written by a leading maritime scholar and based on fresh research into all known manuscripts and printed works on Pacific trade and exploration, this book incorporates new interpretations on exploration and commercial activity in this area, significantly updating and expanding the author's award-winning book, Distant Dominion. The Northwest Coast documents the interaction, often violent, between British sailors and aboriginal people; depicts many of the rivalries among British mariners; and examines various claims to the discovery of the Northwest Passage. Gough's compelling narrative combined with his extensive use of quotations from the journals and correspondence of explorers and merchant traders provide insights into the motives and attitudes of these early pioneers of empire."--Jacket

1485-1799, Discoveries in geography, Discoveries in geography British, Electronic books, Entdeckung, Geschichte Anfänge-1812, Grande-Bretagne Découverte et exploration, Grande-Bretagne Histoire navale 1485-1603, Grande-Bretagne Histoire navale 18e siècle, Great Britain, Great Britain Discovery and exploration, Great Britain History, Naval 18th c

The 'backside of America' Nova Albion The Strait of Anian and other northwest passages Sea otter pelts, Muscovites, and Mandarins Merchant sea traders Meares and a scheme of empire Botany Bay and Nootka Sound Encroachments in the Spanish Lake Impasse A voyage of discovery Westward the course of empire

First edition has title: Distant dominion

First edition has title: Distant dominion