Canadian History

Objective 1: Explain Canada’s historyObjective 2: Explain how Canada grew to become an independent nation.Objective 3: Describe the First Nations of Canada

The First Nations• Migration via the land bridge to what is now

North America. • Distinct groups of people with unique cultures

had developed by the 1500s• First Nations – native groups who live south of

the Arctic Circle.• Algonquin - present day Quebec• Iroquois – southern Canada • Why are the Inuit not considered First

Nations?

Totem Poles

• Often created by First Nations in the Pacific Northwest.

• Shows mythic figures, animals and family crests. Usually honor the spirits of family members.

European Contact

• L’Anse aux Meadows (Viking colony established c. 1000)

•

European Contact Cont.

• Late 1400’s – Europeans looking for a route from Europe to Asia (Northwest Passage)

• Many Europeans settled around the coast for trade (specifically fur trade)

• Trade with Native Americans

The French and the British

• Jacques Cartier (1534) claimed “New France”• Established fur trade, supported colonies• Samuel de Champlain (1608) colony at Quebec

City• Hudson Bay Company (1670) established by the

King of England• Each side wanted to control fur trade and had

Native American allies. • Leads to……?

French and Indian War(Seven Years War)

• Fought between Britain, France and their allies. (1756-1763)

• Spread from Europe to N. American Colonies• Victory for Britain

Canadian “Identity”

• The Quebec Act of 1775 –allowed religious freedoms and French laws. Why?

• Upper and Lower Canada (1791)

• War of 1812 united Canadians against a common foe

• 1840 Act of Union – Upper and Lower Canada became one province (def?)

Independent Canada

• British North America Act 1867– Created Dominion of

Canada– Territory that governs itself,

but still tied to colonizing country

• 1905 – Canada adds 5 new provinces, forced many First Nations to reservations

• 1900’s exploding population added to diversity

Independent Canada Cont.

• Canada was part of British Empire in WW1

• 1931 – Britain recognized Canada as a fully independent country– Remained linked to

Britain – Courts tied to Britain– Canada’s constitution

from British Parliament