The commercial spring seal hunt was one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most dangerous and demanding industries in the 19th century.

As seals became more difficult to harvest, Newfoundland outfitters turned first to larger sailing vessels and then to wooden-hulled steamers.

Some of Newfoundland and Labrador's best-known and most destructive disasters occurred during the era of Responsible Government.

The events surrounding the Lundrigan-Butler affair, perhaps the most celeberated legal case in Newfoundland and Labrador history, where two fisherman were publically whipped for outstanding debts to a local merchant.