Between 1864 and 1890, the United States established nine new states in the Northwest and purchased Alaska, worrying both Canada and Britain about American expansion. To prevent the potential annexation of Rupert's Land by the Americans, in 1869 Canada entered negotiations to purchase the territory from the Hudson's Bay Company for £300,000 and 2.8 million hectares. The transfer of Rupert's Land to Canadian control concerned the Métis inhabitants, who under the leadership of Louis Riel formed a provisional government to negotiate with Canada and ensure protection of their rights. Tensions rose and ultimately led to the execution of Thomas Scott, deepening divisions and provoking military intervention by Canada.