1. As the government of Canada was taking its first steps as a united country after confederation it was eying a vast amount of land which is now part of the Canadian prairies and Manitoba. The Canadian government was interested in Rupert’s land because Canada wanted to expand from sea to sea (A Mari Usque Ad Mare) therefore accomplishing sir MacDonald vision for a bigger better Canada. One of the main reasons why Canada was eager to buy Rupert’s land was because good farmable land was scarce in Ontario. In addition many settlers were thinking of moving toward the west (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) the Canadian government was ecstatic about this because it was like hitting two birds with one rock why? Provided Canada was afraid of the American expansion toward the north. Lest, it wanted settlers to settle in the west therefore claim it for Canada. When Macdonald found out that settlers were interested in moving to the west he wanted them to settle as soon as possible and preferably before their neighbours. However, Rupert’s land was in the way and it was up for sell from the once powerful Hudson’s Bay Company whom controlled the area. In conclusion the British fur trade giant had been in decline for years and now it was up for grabs. The Canadians were afraid of The Americans, who had just paid Russia millions of dollars for Alaska in 1867, whom were also looking for other properties to expand their Republic and eyed the territory. But Canada saw Rupert's Land as the natural extension of its new nation which included Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec and it was not going to let it get away. However, The Hudson's Bay Company was prepared to sell to the Americans who would pay top dollar. But on March 20, 1869, ... ... middle of paper ... ... arrival in St. Laurent, the rebellion has started. Violence escalated from looting and taking hostages to open rebellion. It was only a matter of time before the badly-outnumbered rebels were killed. Riel, having fled the scene of the final battle surrendered on May 15, 1885. For his part in the two uprisings in Canada’s brief history. Riel was hanged on November 16, 1885 in Regina. And To this day Riels execution is a controversy between historians. In my opinion Riels execution in Canadian history was prejudiced and yet crucial because without Riels execution where will Canada be now? Just think about it. Imagine that riel gained supporters and the province of Canada was overthrown? Would the Canada that you and I know be still being here? Or would the province of Canada become part of America? We have no notion but this is the reason we study history isn’t?
Canada became increasingly autonomous throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Being established officially as a nation apart from Britain certainly helped, but there were more than just official pieces of paper at play. The negotiation of the Halibut treaty was a large push towards become an autonomous nation from Britain. The final push were the seats Canada was given at various significant events.
Louis Riel played a big role in Canada and was fighting for the rights of Metis. He was captured and executed by Canadian authorities in November 16, 1885 in Regina. Louis Riel did not receive a fair trial due that he was fighting for the rights of the Metis and people. It was inappropriate to accuse Riel as a traitor. He tried to defend the traditional right of Metis and equal people and dedicated his life to help others like Metis, Native Indians and Western settlers. He gained a lot of respect and was a good leader. Riel was a person who stepped up and was not afraid to tell the government what they needed. He tried to succeed through peaceful methods and bring change into the Canadian government. However, he did not want to take over Canada or start a revolution against Quebec. The Canadian government did not see this and went against him and charged him as a traitor. At this point, English speaking men were against Riel’s beliefs. When Louis Riel tried to get Metis rights and make them equal but the English people did not want to this change and thought that this was obligating treason. Treason expresses someone that is overthrowing the government in power. Many thoughts came up upon the government whether to hang Louis Riel or not. Quebec was concerned that if Riel would be hanged, they would upset the Conservative Party and if they kept him alive, Ontario would be enraged. Many members of the Canadian government believed that Riel was an insane and not responsible but he did not refuse to give up. His plan was equal everyone out and to devise of Canada with many races, such as Catholic and Protestant. Many people respected him and were confident in him. Louis Riel was not a traitor in Canada and did not receive a fair tria...
The trial of Louis Riel began on July 20 1885 and had much popularity throughout the world. But a question often presented is if the trial was a fair one. The argument being that Sir John A. Macdonald’s political interests set the trial to end with Riel’s conviction and execution. Others argue that Riel deserved his sentence as he instigated an armed rebellion against the Canadian government. Evidence presented seems to point to the fact that Riel was not innocent but undeserving of the death sentence that the court gave him.
Briefly describe Canada’s relationship with Great Britain in the 1896-1911 period. Provide two historical examples.
During Macdonald’s terms as Prime Minister, Louis Riel was one individual who continuously opposed the government in defense of Métis and First Nation rights. Riel’s actions aided in preserving Métis rights and establishing Manitoba, but that is not the sum of Riel’s involvement in Canadian history. In 1885 Riel returned to Canada from exile in the United States to again prevent Métis territory in Saskatchewan, and this time First Nations land as well, from being claimed by European settlers. However, Riel’s rebellion was in vain, and he eventually submitted himself to the North West Mounted Police and was sentenced to death for treason. At the time, the Métis hailed him as an advocator of Metis rights, while the English viewed him as a traitor
Alberta became a province of Canada in 1905. They joined into Confederation because of many reason. One of the big factors was because of the fur trading. Canada was in big demand of fur, therefore having Alberta join would add to their business. Another reason was because of Manifest Destiny, the construction of an inter-colonial railway between Canada and the Maritimes was necessary since all goods were being transported on American lines. The Grand Trunk Railway needed increased traffic on its line to avoid bankruptcy. Also, transcontinental railway uniting the Atlantic to the Pacific would have to be built to open up the West and to prevent a possible takeover by the United States. Railway construction however was extremely expensive. The only way to ensure its construction would be for all the colonies to unite and to contribute to its construction. All of these causes for Alberta and the other provinces to join Canada was to prevent America from taking over the continent.
Around the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, British Columbia was in a period of economic explosion. Those who were willing to work hard could find many opportunities. At this time, gold was found in British Columbia and Canada became dependent on workers to finish making the transcontinental railway. Many lumbering, coal mining and fishing business were not experiencing enough growth to match the needs of the society. This portrayed Canada as a place of opportunity and settlement for Asians whose homelands were becoming overcrowded. Sadly, the early pioneer years were extremely difficult for Asian immigrants due to the extensive racism and barriers keeping them from full participation of the Canadian life. It is through these hardships and sacrifices that the birth of many vibrant communities became possible. The Asian-Canadian pioneers are unforgettable and their legacies sculpt an important time in Canadian history.
Did you know that Canada, a country that stretches across 5000 kilometres of land, was nothing but a pet of Britain? Imagine a dog walking a person. Now replace that person with The Rock, and you can see why it was so ridiculous. That’s right, Canada had to follow all of the British’s military calls and consult them for creating laws. This was the sad reality for Canada until 1931, when the country signed the Statute of Westminster. However, even before that, Canada strived for patriation as evidenced by the events that occurred during the interwar period. Various changes were made in Canada during the interwar period, but it is important to know that they were all for the better and are why Canada is what it is today. The Chanak Affair, Statute of Westminster, and Group of Seven are all crucial elements in Canadian History and they still affect us to this day. Because of these instances, Canada has become politically, militarily, and culturally autonomous.
Later Riel created a petition signed by many stressing During this time of agony, Louis Riel returned from exile in America. Does that name ring a bell? That's because Louis is famous for is efforts to protect the Metis and his resistance during the Red River Rebellion. He advised that the rebels merge in an insurgency against the Prime Minister John A. Macdonald’s Conservative government.
Louis Riel was one of the most controversial figures in Canadian history, and even to this day – more than a century after his execution – he continues to be remembered. Many believed him to be a villain; others saw him as a hero. So who was he really? Born in St. Boniface at the Red River Settlement of Canada (present-day Winnipeg, Manitoba) on October 22, 1844, Louis Riel hoped one day to follow his father’s footsteps and become a great Métis leader just like him. Eventually, Riel was seen as a hero to the French-speaking Métis. In the Canadian West, however, most people regarded him as a villain due to his execution in 1885. Nevertheless, Louis Riel was not really a villain by heart; only a flawed man who made many mistakes in his life. Today many more people are seeing him as a visionary, and recognizing the numerous contributions that he made to building Canada up as a nation. He was indubitably a Canadian hero, mainly due to his involvement with the Métis, confederating Manitoba with Canada, and approaching problems peacefully.
The British North America Act went into effect July 1st, 1867 creating a union known as the Dominion of Canada, but this did not complete the debate on the Confederation issue. Many Nova Scotians continued their opposition to the idea and it would take considerable time before all Nova Scotians would accept the fact of Confederation. “These Nova Scotians, disgruntled at their treatment by Great Britain, found that their loyalty had markedly diminished. The more they considered taking over the responsibility for their own affairs from England, however, the greater trust they had to place in Confederation.”25 Confederation struck a balance between the rights of English and French speaking Canadians. Nevertheless, many divisions, conflicts, and debates would occur not only in Quebec but also in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over this balance. Economic disparities between the Maritimes and the rest of Canada would also create many problems for the years following 1867. As a result, Confederation can be viewed as a beginning and not an end.
It’s difficult to visualize how anyone could describe the 1920’s as anything but extraordinary. It was the decade when Canada really began to change in many ways. Many changes that enable us to live the lives we live today happened during the 1920’s. When you think back to the 20’s, so many things happened that made it roar, including technology, women’s rights, entertainment, and more.
The foundations of the Canadian nation are built on the key elements of Canadian identity – creating a pluralistic society. This range of differences in views and values may be considered too diverse to be considered a nation; however, Canadian nation exits. The evidence of this existence can be seen through Canada’s politics, language, and culture.
Between 1815-1840 Upper Canada was under the influence of a few elite individuals known as the ‘Family Compact’. These individuals held sway through their control of large amounts of land and their dominance of the governments various branches. With their hold on the government of Upper Canada, the family compact aimed to create a government that regulated all aspects of society. However the people of Canada disliked the family compacts dominance of Upper Canada’s political system and when attempts to reform the Canadian political system through democratic means the people resorted to rebellion. The rebels lead by primarily William Lyon Mackenzie a prominent member of the reform party and newspaper owner who was inspired by the American Revolution. The British government acted swiftly bringing an end to the rebellion. Although the rebellion was quashed the family compact began to lose its influence in Canadian politics and was squeezed out by moderate parties. By looking at sources from and written on the times we can observe that the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837-1839 was caused by the oligarchic rule of the Family Compact in Upper Canada. This can be observed to be true by looking at the socio-economic differences that divided the family compact from the settlers, how the family compact held power and how that power was gained and maintained, and the religious conflict between the settlers and the family compact.
If we treat everyone how we treated the First Nations, the world would be a terrible place to live. The First Nations were assimilated into modern day society through many things including; residential schools, racism, and the thoughts and beliefs the Europeans presented to them. This was a dark time for Canadians and there will always be a dent in our name because of what we did. How the First Nations were assimilated, how imperialism affected them, and what has been caused are the key points in which I will be talking about today. Nobody wants to live in a world where you aren’t accepted.