Grade 7 History Ms. Willis Conflict and Change 1837 - 1850 Grade 7 History Ms. Willis

Learning Goals I can identify key social and economic changes that occurred and/or affected Canada during 1837 – 1850. I can analyze some of the main challenges facing individuals and/or groups in Canada during this time period and ways in which people responded.

Types of Conflict Wars: the most severe type of conflict with a great loss of soldiers and civilians. We have read about a number of wars, including the War of 1812.

Types of Conflict Rebellions: people resent governments when they disagree with them and they feel the government is not listening. Sometimes the government uses the army to restrain protests. People start to believe the only way for reform is to use force, so they start a rebellion. If they are successful, the rebellion becomes a revolution. The American Revolution (1776 – 1783) was the colonists revolting against the British. In high school you may learn about the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the Russian Revolution (1917) where the people overthrew the government.

Types of Conflict Protests and Demonstrations: a way for people to show their displeasure about something. They are usually peaceful, but sometimes can get out of hand and government will use police or troops to protect the innocent. Sometimes onlookers believe excessive force is used. Discuss: What might cause this to happen? Do police have the right to use excessive force? Strikes: In the 1800s, working conditions were bad and wages low. Workers frequently organized strikes. For example printers in Toronto organized a strike in 1836. They had been working 12 hours a day and wanted this reduced to 10 hours. Generally, strikes are peaceful, but sometimes they become violent. No one likes strikes. Consumers are inconvenienced, businesses suffer, workers lose wages.

The Rebellions of 1837-1838 In 1837 there were rebellions against the governments of Lower and Upper Canada.

Causes of the Rebellions Undemocratic Government: The system of government in the Canadas did not give voters much power or say in the government system. The Governor General had the power to veto laws from the Assembly.

Causes of the Rebellions Government Elites: higher class, wealthy people controlled the government and did not want to give power to the elected representatives. The Government Elites consisted of lawyers, landowners, clergy and a few rich merchants. Economic Decline: Britain and France were at war from 1794-1815. When they signed their peace treaty, the economies of both countries slowed down. Since BNA supplied lots of products to Europe, incomes in BNA fell as well. By the mid 1830s many farmers were almost bankrupt. The government did not do anything to help. The governments of Upper and Lower Canada did not cooperate with each other. This made it difficult to make improvements, such as canals for better transportation.

William Lyon Mackenzie (1795-1861) Came to Upper Canada from Scotland in 1820 Worked as a printer for a newspaper at first then owned his first newspaper. Was elected in to the legislative assembly 1828, but later expelled for publishing libels. He had a fiery temper and often published articles using insulting language. Led an illegal rebellion against the Crown. One of the few people with the courage to stand up against a government he said was corrupt and tyrannical.

A Video About The Upper Canada Rebellions The Rebellion of 1837 (Gibson House Museum Toronto)

A Video about the Rebellions in Lower Canada Lower Canada Rebellions

The Rebellions Several small rebellions occurred in late 1837 – early 1838 with the ultimate defeat and killing of patriots. However, the rebellions were a shock to the government and instigated change.

Consequences of the Rebellions The government decided to find out why people were unhappy and Lord Durham made a report with recommendations: Responsible Government Join the Canadas (Durham wanted to assimilate the French) Government representation by population

Change Begins to Happen 1839 Lord Durham Report recommends responsible government for the Canadas 1840 The Union Act joins the Canadas 1842-1843 Canada West and Canada East agree to work together in the legislature for responsible government 1844 – 1847 A series of articles is published in the Novascotian newspaper demanding responsible government. 1848 British government grants responsible government to Nova Scotia 1849 British government grants responsible government to the United Canadas