Early Canadian History 1750 - 1812

Acadians Originally citizens from France (from settlers to convicts) Lived in the areas that would become NS, NB, PEI Settled there because of the choice made by Sieur de Monts – had to establish a colony in exchange for a fur monopoly Originally chose Sable Island - disaster

Acadians Importance An early example of Canada’s racial heritage Issue of an oath of loyalty to Britain – Acadians refused to take the oath unless exempted from the possibility of military service against France War in Europe was approaching and the British insisted on the oath A round-up and expulsion began

Acadian Expulsion Because the British could not tolerate possible French supporters in Acadia an expulsion was undertaken Expulsion was poorly handles Lack of ships for transport Families were separated Approximately 6 to 10,000 were expelled Many ended up in Louisiana (Cajuns)

The Seven Years War A European War with strong overtones in North America (a de facto state of war had existed since 1754 – Indian Wars) Period of uncertainty following the Fall of Quebec City Ended with the Treaty of Paris France gave up all claims in NA See map handout showing changes in the colonial structure

The Period of Uncertainty After the Fall of Quebec City Roman Catholics allowed to practice religion Habitants allowed to remain on land with usual practices In other words – little changed Who would get the colony? (The British had the possibility of taking Guadeloupe) ~150 English population An influx of English settlers was expected – a dream

Proclamation of 1763 Created the Colony of Quebec – see list of name changes over time Boundary changes – restriction of westward expansion major threat was Pontiac and the possible native uprising Recognition of native land claims Major present day significance Fur trade open to all (English upset) Promise of an elected Assembly (not set up) Laws to be ‘as near as may be agreeable to the laws of England’ (unrealistic in view of population Vague promises to protect the Canadien way of life

Quebec Act Know that it took place War was approaching with the 13 colonies Britain wanted to keep the Canadiens on their side The Act made provisions with respect to Boundaries (Ohio R. Valley) Assembly (no Assembly) Religion (Freedom of worship to Canadiens; RCs could hold office; payment of tithe mandatory) Law (English-Criminal; French-Civil)

Quebec Act - Results Seigneurs and clergy were happy – they got government and religion Habitants – unhappy – Carleton (British Gov) assumed that they would just follow their leaders Americans – a threat to government institutions (Assemblies & RCs), a restriction on westward expansion

The American Revolution Not interested in the specifics but only on its effects on ‘Canada’ Anything that affects the Americans affects ‘Canada’ Invasion of Canada in1775 The main result of the Revolutionary War was the Loyalist migration to Canada

Results of the American Revolution Boundary changes See map Jay’s Treaty Boundary settlement of the St. Croix River dispute Development in Can/US relations (Arbitration) Loyalist Migration First of three waves of migrants