The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was founded in 1670 and quickly became the most dominant force in the North American fur trade. It was granted control over Rupert’s Land, an area that included much of what is now Canada. The company established trading posts, competed with French (Montreal-based) fur traders, and formed early alliances with Indigenous communities. HBC’s impact extended beyond commerce - it influenced settlement patterns, territorial expansion, and eventually played a part in shaping Canada's borders. If you're focused on Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation, understanding HBC is critical to mastering Canada’s early history and gaining a full picture through your Discover Canada Study Help. It's a major topic in Canadian Citizenship Practice materials.