What did Thomas Douglas spend his wealth on?

• A. He purchased a large estate in England.
• B. He funded a university in Scotland.
• C. He paid for military campaigns.
• D. After government refused land, he bought enough shares in the HBC to be able to make decisions over land.

Answer: (D)

Thomas Douglas, the Earl of Selkirk, used his wealth to influence land in North America by buying a controlling stake in the Hudson's Bay Company. When the government refused to grant him land for his settlement, acquiring enough shares in the HBC gave him real influence over land decisions because the company controlled vast tracts of Rupert’s Land and could shape settlement policy. This move was aimed at establishing the Red River Colony and protecting settlers, rather than funding a private estate, founding a university, or financing military campaigns.