Our Developing Nation Horizons: Canada’s Emerging Identity p.40-121 Unit 2 Our Developing Nation Horizons: Canada’s Emerging Identity p.40-121

Think Pair Share Consider Theme…. What THEMES do we look at when we study Canadian History?

Just a few Colonization Imperialism Settlement Immigration First Nations Trade and Economy Social trends Cultural trends Politics Economics

Women Minorities Rebellions The HBC French English Relations International relations American influence Autonomy War Nationalism

What we really try to do is….

This unit helps investigate these questions. Why might people have immigrated to Canada between 1815 and 1867? What was the impact of interactions between Aboriginal peoples and European settlers? How did responsible government evolve in Canada? How and why did Canada become a nation?

The Colonists: Land and Government Chapter 2

Chapter Outcomes In this chapter we will study the changes that came with the colonists who arrived in Upper and Lower Canada between 1814 and 1840. You will be assessed on your notes, the graphic organizer (more on that later) and required to do a self assessment at the end of this power point.

Think Pair Share Imagine what British North America was like in the early 19th century.

Robinson Sisters: 1845 portrait depicts three sisters, all born in York (Toronto) the Capital of Upper Canada.

This painting depicts settlers with a typical rural cabin This painting depicts settlers with a typical rural cabin. Do you think the people in these images would agree with the following quote? “A highly civilized and densely populated state possesses extensive waste lands in the colonies. In a state possessing those waste lands (now Canada,) all citizens have equal rights- all have a share in the collective rights to these waste lands”. – editorial in a British newspaper the Spectator, Sept 18, 1847

“A highly civilized and densely populated state possesses extensive waste lands in the colonies. In a state possessing those waste lands (now Canada), all citizens have equal rights- all have a share in the collective rights to these waste lands”. – editorial in a British newspaper the Spectator, Sept 18, 1847

Land of Yesterday In 1791, the Constitutional Act created Upper and Lower Canada. Eastern part of country- growing and developing. Many colonists found British North America to be challenging and unlike their homeland. The environment seemed harsh; wilderness.

British North America Newcomers poured into Upper Canada- southern and eastern Ontario Lower Canada- Quebec and along the St. Lawrence, had a busy trade capital, Montreal. The Maritimes were long settled and stable.

The HBC The Hudson’s Bay Company claimed all lands drained by rivers flowing into the Hudson’s Bay. A large part of the continent fell under HBC control. As a result, the fur trade expanded west.

Colonial Growth and Aboriginal People The growth of the colonies came at the expense of Aboriginal peoples. They had once been military allies of the British, and were a vital part of the fur trade.

First Nations were often forced to give up their land to make way for the European immigrants. Most immigrants paid little attention to the hardships and injustices that Aboriginals faced as a result of colonization.

Upper Canada

British colony “up” the St. Lawrence River. “Up” as in further away from the Ocean; Further inland. In the early 19th century, Upper Canada was the newest colony in the British Empire.

Few roads. Forest was very dense; trees massive. Clearing the land was a newcomers first task. It proved to be a very difficult chore; a hectare a year.

Continued fears of American Invasions reinforced colonists’ ties with the British Empire. Important community leaders were often Loyalists, former members of the British army or members of the British gentry.

Loyalists- Americans who did not support the American Revolution, many of whom moved to the British Colonies, like Upper Canada. Gentry-the upper class

As a result of this leadership, life in the colony was very “British” As a result of this leadership, life in the colony was very “British”. (laws, traditions)

Daily life People depended on each other and formed close communities- (church). Making a living on a farm was difficult. Often took years to raise a crop for sale. Most were in debt; mortgages common. People depended on a barter economy.

Barter economy- an economy based on trading services and products instead of using money.

Social Class Family background important, especially to the upper class. Upper class people wanted the privileges they had enjoyed in Britain. Social boundaries were removed. Many discovered they would have to do the back-breaking labour themselves, as cheap labour and servants were not readily available.

Dependent on one another; People needed their neighbours. Many continued to think of Britain as “home.” Some sent their children back to England to be educated.

The efforts of the ruling classes in both Upper and Lower Canada eventually brought conflict. Poorer colonists were attracted to American style democracy.

Britain tried to duplicate its own society in the Canadian colonies: 1 Britain tried to duplicate its own society in the Canadian colonies: 1. Gentry 2. Large Estates 3. Tenant Farmers

This angered immigrants who had left their homelands in order to escape the class system. This becomes a problem later!

Family Compact A small group of upper-class officials who made up the Executive Council of Upper Canada after 1812 All members knew each other, were often related and even dressed alike

The people of Lower Canada had a similar ruling body known as the Chateau Clique. Mostly made up of wealthy English speaking merchants.

Land Problems in Upper Canada Almost everyone wanted to own and farm land. Those who did not worked in industries that supported farming. Many arrived to find that the good land was already owned by absentee landlords and land speculators.

Absentee Landlord A person who owns and rents out a property, but does not live in the region.

Land Speculators People who buy property at a low price and sell it at a much higher price, usually without spending much of their own money.

This was not what immigrants had expected. Advertising campaigns =good, cheap farmland close to thriving towns and markets.

Those who held the best land in Upper Canada were members of the Family Compact. Many colonists had no option but go to remote areas to farm, leading to lives of hardship and resentment. People felt tricked by land speculators.

Land! The problems associated with land was at the root of anger and resentment towards the Family Compact and the colonial government of Upper Canada. Major cause of the Rebellions of 1837

Unfair land policies and bad government based on privilege set the stage for violent confrontation of classes.

Crown and Clergy Reserves Blocks of land set aside to provide income for the government and for the Anglican Church. 2/7th of all land in Upper Canada. For the most part the land was un- cleared and unoccupied.

This often led to more problems when roads were being constructed; had to go around these blocks instead of through. Often tied up prize farmland This led to even more resentment.

The Role of the British Government Land problems mainly the result of attitudes of the British Government and a desire to duplicate English models in Canada. English model (large estates controlled by aristocrats) was contrary to the view of many immigrants, especially those from the United States. -discriminatory -undemocratic

British Government did not want colonist to adopt American attitudes and values. (feared another revolution) The government plan had been to attract important aristocrats to Upper Canada. (often younger sons who had little hope of inheriting land in Great Britain)

Canada Land Company The government had also allowed land speculation companies such as the Canada Land Company to buy large tracts of land. By 1815, almost half of good farmland was owned by speculators (often also part of the Family Compact)

First Nations leaders Often worried that their lands would be sold off by Britain. Some signed treaties in an attempt to protect their land, which were not completely successful.

Create a graphic organizer to summarize the information on pages 49-55 in your textbook. Titles and point form notes OR a mind map Make sure to cover: Daily Life in Upper Canada Social Class The Problem of Land The problem of Government You will be assessed on your ability to pull the most important information from the text, put it into your own words and organize it.

The Immigrant Experience

The Immigrant Experience Waves of immigrants arrived after the War of 1812. Settled in upper and lower Canada. Soon farmland became a problem. Most immigrants came from Britain, the United States and Europe. No one who lived in the colonies could have been prepared for the waves of immigrants that arrived after the War of 1812. They settled in both upper and lower Canada. Many English speaking immigrnats settled in the Eastern Townshops. Elsewhere in Lower Canada, French culture was prevailed and life based on the seigneureial system continued as it had for generations. Soon however the lack of farmland became a problem. Most immigrants came from Britain, the United States and Europe. Attracted by the promises and hopes of a new land, there were harsh realities involved in leaving home. For many the first rude awakening was the journey across the Atlantic which was both dangerous and expensive

The journey across the Atlantic was dangerous and expensive. Many never returned to their homeland. The journey took over a month. Many did not survive, especially the poorest people who often endured passage in coffin ships.

Coffin Ships Death ships; disease and death were common on the cargo vessels used to carry passengers at the time. The poor were often forced to travel in steerage (below deck), equipped with bunks but no bathrooms. Poor food, bad hygiene and crowded conditions made disease inevitable. Smallpox, cholera and other diseases killed thousands. Ships quarantined when they reached North America. Immigrants were expected to feed themselves during the voyage which could take weeks. If they didn’t bring enough food, they would face starvation.

Cultural Diversity in Colonial Canada Upper Canada- many did not consider themselves to be “English.” Lower Canada-mostly Francophone (French speaking people) who desired to remain distinct from English speaking groups. This often led to conflict. We’ve talked about cultural perspective in history. How is history written, and who tells it? The most popiular journals and accounts of life in the colonies of British North America were written by relatively well-to-do English speaking people. However many immigrants to Upper Canada did not consider themselves to be English- they were American, Irish or Scottish and brought their own language, culture, music, valise and traditions with them. In Lower Canada people were predominately Francophones and desired to maintain their distinct language and culture. In the past historians have often ignored the achievements and histories of Aboriginal peoples and non-English immigrants. Contributions of women were also not discussed. This tells us a great deal of how history was recorded. If the contributions of some groups are highlighted, and other groups ignored, how accurate is our knowledge of the past? By detecting this kind of discrimination, we can learn to pay more attention to those who have been historically ignored.

Black Canadians Slavery had existed in New France until the mid 1600s. Many Loyalists brought slaves with them into Canada after the American Revolution. Slavery was abolished everywhere in the British Empire by 1833. Courts in Upper and Lower Canada refused to support slavery long before that. In 1793, Chloe Cooley, an enslaved Black woman was forcibly taken from Upper Canada to the United States to be sold. Governor John Simcoe added this incident to his arguments against slavery in Upper Canada. By July of 1793 an Act was passed to prevent the slave trade in Upper Canada.

Many Black Canadians were already free and had come as refugees from slave states in America. Many were Loyalists and were promised land. The Black Militia fought against the rebels in the Rebellions of 1837; believed a victory for the rebels would result in American domination and a return to slavery.

The Underground Railway Upper Canada became a refuge for Black Americans escaping slavery. They used a network of secret routes and safe houses called “The Underground Railway”. The fugitives often traveled hundreds of kilometers by foot. Those who supported them often very religious; believed slavery was a sin against God and humankind.

"When my feet first touched the Canadian shore, I threw myself on the ground, rolled in the sand, seized handfuls of it and kissed them." These were the words of Josiah Henson recalling his first moments as a free man. Henson had escaped to Canada along the "underground railroad," a network of secret paths, hiding places and safe houses that stretched from southern states to the borders of Canada.

Media Notes Canada a People’s History: The People of British North America (Episode 8 24:00-28:00)

Media Notes Heritage Minute – The Underground Railway

Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and, during the American Civil War, a Union spy

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King said that in the history of black America, "Canada was the north star." The old spiritual, "Follow the Drinking Gourd," gave slaves the hidden advice to keep their eyes on the Gourd, which pointed the way north to "heaven," in this case Canada.

Follow the Drinking gourd song study

Travelling the Underground Railway was extremely risky and dangerous. If caught, escaped slaves were severely punished, While Upper Canada offered hope of a new life, it was not free of racial discrimination. There were Black immigrants in every colony of British North America. You will learn in later chapters that Black Canadians were invited to British Columbia by its Governor, James Douglas who himself had a Black mother. They took up residence on Salt Spring Island.

Among the many tragic stories of slavery were tales of husbands taken from wives and of children torn from their mothers to be sold like animals. Captured runaway slaves were often tortured. Professional slave catchers, notorious for their cruelty, tracked runaway slaves all the way from the deep South to the Canadian border. It took enormous courage to escape.

What methods were used by slave owners to hunt down slaves who had run away?

Media Notes After arrival in Canada, life was not easy for escaped slaves. Many faced discrimination, poor living conditions and physical or emotional abuse. The dream of reaching freedom became a reality of discrimination for many. Book of Negroes – Episode 5 (beginning to 10:30)

Media Notes Viola Desmond The discrimination faced by many black immigrants in British North America continued for many years. Viola Desmond was an entrepreneur that challenged racism in Nova Scotia in the 1940's.

Immigrant Women in Upper Canada Defined themselves by social class. Tended to think of their own success in terms of that of their fathers or husbands. Divorce did not exist, so choosing the right partner was important. A good marriage gave a woman status in ways that are difficult to understand today. Even resourceful educated colonial women such as Susannah Moody, Catherine Parr Trail and Mary O’Brien seemed preoccupied with the activities of their husbands.

Finding a good marriage prospect was so important to families that many social events included matchmaking. Romantic love was less important than friendship and duty. A man might “marry down” but a woman would never do so because she took on the social status of her husband.

There was too much work to be done for anyone to be idle. Even upper class women had a lot to do. Clearing the land involved hard work and often depended on help from everyone. Hard work and long hours were normal. Clearing the land was hard work and often depended on help from everyone. This broke down many social barriers. For immigrant women hard work and long hours were normal.

Division of labour was one sided. Women might do a “man’s work”, (planting, harvesting, etc.)but not the other way around. Women learned how to preserve food and make candles and soap. Were expected to have large families. Childbirth was risky. Medical help expensive and hard to obtain. Overcrowding and poor sanitation increased health risks.

Colonial Government And the need for reform

Colonial Government and the Need for Reform Government in the colonies of BNA was neither representative or responsible. Representative government: a government made up of official elected to office by people. Responsible government: a government subject to the votes of the people. Democratic governments are both representative and responsible,

Colonial governments were indirectly run from Britain. This placed power in the hands of a small group of wealthy, influential men- The Family Compact. Oligarchy- rule by a small, select group of people.

The government of Upper Canada had been established in 1791 by the Constitutional Act. This Act: 1. divided Upper Canada from Lower Canada 2. gave it an elected law making Legislative Assembly, a governor, and two councils

They could veto any laws passed by the Assembly; Since all males who owned property could elect Assembly members, the government appeared to be democratic. Actual power was in the hands of the governor and two councils he appointed. They could veto any laws passed by the Assembly; They shut down projects such as road building and ignored land speculation, and crown and clergy reserve issues. Aaince the councils, whose memebers came from the Family Compact had different priorities than those of ordinary colonists they used their veto powers often. They could shut down important projects such as building roads. They also ignored land speculation issues and problems with the crown and clergy reserves. So conflict was bound to happen and it did.

Government Structure 1791 1849

2015

A List of Grievances People complained loudly about land and roads. Land speculators and absentee landowners overpriced or tied up prime land. Crown and clergy reserves blocked the building of roads. Most blamed the Family Compact.

He was arrested and sent out of the colony. Robert Gourlay drew up a list of grievances and a petition demanding change. He was arrested and sent out of the colony. The government saw no need to change its policies. Gourlay’s arrested hardened opposition to the Family Compact. Robert Gourlay, a land agent, surveyed the farmers about life in Upper Canada. He was shocked to discover the extent of their discontent with the government and its policies so he drew up a list of grievances, and a petition demanding change. He was not so successful, as he was arrested and then sent out of the colony. The government had no interest in listing to complaints and was not about to change its polices. Gourlays arrest hardened opposition to the Family Compact and eventually another radical reformer- Willam Lyon Mackenzie, would take his place

William Lyon Mackenzie Had strong political convictions. Took an aggressive approach to bringing about change. Started a newspaper, the Colonial Advocate . That strongly criticized the government and the Family compact. When the Compact ransacked his office and smashed his printing press- he sued. Was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1828. Became one of the most important leaders in the reform movement

William Lyon Mackenzie

Lower Canada

The Situation in Lower Canada Also had serious political problems; the ruling class was English but most of the population was French. French-Canadians had never completely adjusted to British rule. Many French-Canadians found the lack of democracy intolerable Chateau Clique (Lower Canada’s equivalent of the Family Compact) controlled government and business. The Chateau Clique was supported by merchants, former army officers, the Church hierarchy and even wealthy French Canadian landowners. Exposed to the democratic ideals of the French and American Revolutions, and to the democracy of the United States, many French found the lack of democracy intolerable.

The English speaking minority in Lower Canada controlled most of the wealth and power even though they formed less than ¼ of the population. Many French believed that they had been “sold out” by the Church and seigneurs.

Economic Woes Lower Canada didn’t experience the same kinds of land problems as Upper Canada However as the population increased the amount of arable land was limited and soil was becoming less fertile. Failure of wheat crops forced imports from Upper Canada, and this led to a huge economic deficit. The agricultural economy failed.

Many turned to forestry. Not everyone had a share in the profits. New limits on farmland, created more dissatisfaction.

Nationalism Nationalism= devotion to the support of one’s culture and nation, sometimes resulting in the promotion of independence.

French Canadians mistrusted the English and feelings of nationalism were strengthened. French Canadian felt the need to protect their language and religion. They believed that the English were trying to solve its “French problem” by bringing more English speaking immigrants to the province.

When an cholera epidemic arrived in 1832 many thought that Britain was trying to kill of the French population. Many were struggling to pay taxes, which paid government salaries, but they still had no voice in politics.

Three Issues for Reform Discrimination against the French. Lack of representation in government Taxes These became the key issues of radical reformers such as Louis-Joseph Papineau.

Louis-Joseph Papineau A seigneur and lawyer Originally supported British rule; changed his mind when British rule did not improve the lives of French Canadians. Joined the cause for reform Became a Speaker for the Legislative Assembly in 1815. Became leader of the Parti Canadian, which actively lobbied for reform.

Not all reformer leaders were French- Wolfred Nelson, Edmond O’Callaghan. Not all reform leaders in Lower Canada were French. Wolfred Nelson, an English doctor, was mayor of Montreal and later became leader of the rebel Patriots. Edmond O’Callaghan, the Irish publisher of the radical newspaper The Vindicator also joined forces with the Patriots.

Self Assessment 4 = I had all the notes from the Powerpoint as well as some additional notes 3 = I had all the notes from the Powerpoint 2 = I had most of the notes from the Powerpoint, but added 1-2 1 = I had some of the notes from the Powerpoint, had to add more than 2