ISSUES WITH THE COLONIAL GOVTS 1971-1837

PEOPLE OF LOWER CANADA Lower Canada Population increased from: 250 000 in 1806 to 717 000 in 1841 Majority = French speaking population Minority =English speaking British and American farmers British rule and traditions were a direct threat to their cultural existence

Chateau Clique Small group of wealthy English business men in Lower Canada Dominated the executive and legislative councils Control over the Lower Canada Colonial Govt Why is this such an issue???

Unrest & CONCERNS in Lower Canada Chateau Clique was encouraging immigration from great Britain Increased immigration from Great Britain began to threaten French culture and language Legislative assembly = little power = hard to make laws 1836- crops failed- Canadians face starvation 1837- economic depression- English merchants blamed

UNREST & CONCERNS IN LOWER CANADA French and English speaking merchants wanted different things for lower Canada British merchants wanted to increase taxes for canals, harbors and roads for merchant use

PEOPLE OF UPPER CANADA. Upper Canada Loyalists- Pro British settlers from Britain and America Settlers from great Great Britain - Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England Population increased from: 71 000 in 1806 to 432 000 in 1841 Most inhabitants were subsistence farmers meaning they only farm for their family

FAMILY COMPACT Small group of powerful people in Upper Canada Didn’t want US government values to be part of Canadian government Defended British power in colonial govt Believed power should be in the hands of few capable people (themselves) They had power to stop any laws passed by the legislative assembly Believed Church of England should have power Loyal to Great Britain concept of monarchy rule What were the US government values? Separate from Britain, democratic, responsible & Representative govt.

Unrest & CONCERNS in upper Canada Responsible and Representative government was the major concern! Need for more immigration to increase the English presence in Canada Reduction in the role of Church of England in taxes and affairs Stronger voice for Elected Assembly Reduce voice for the Family Compact No veto powers

Were the concerns dealt with? Upper and Lower Canada governments were not willing to listen to the concerns of the colonists They were not willing to make changes to the structure of government