Sir Wilfrid Laurier: The Great Compromisor

“Canada has been modest in its history, although its history is heroic in many ways. But its history, in my estimation, is only commencing. It is commencing in this century. The 19th century was the century of the United States. I think we can claim that it is Canada that shall fill the 20th century.” Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, in a speech to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, 18 January, 1904

Sir Wilfrid Laurier An optimist A master His comprimises The national economy Natural Resources The Western Expansion The Railroad

Laurier was Canada’s Greatest Optimist He had a unique perspective of our economic potential based on Canada’s natural resources Saw the importance of developing the whole economy and creating a base of wealth for Canada

ii) Laurier as an organizer Laurier sought to unite the country Used comprimise to inspire tolerance between FRENCH CANADA & ENGLISH CANADA (text p39-43)

Alaska Boundary Dispute (page 45) The Boer War (page 43) The Reciprocity Issue: (Page 47)

Laurier’s Famous Comprimises: Le Manitoba Schools Act (Page 41) The Boer War (p43) The Naval Crisis (Page 44) The Alaska Boundary Dispute (Page 45)

iii) Laurier & The Economy Natural Resources Expansion of Primary Sector Pulp and Paper Gold in the Yukon New Towns based on industry ex. Cobalt, Sudbury

Laurier and the Economy 2) The Expansion of the Western Provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta Arable Land: Ideal for Agriculture Crops would nourish Canadian and be ideal for export Saw the economy as progressive Created our key trading partership: USA Echange of goods from one part of Canada to another to create a balance of resources

iii) Laurier and the Economy The Railroad Saw railroad as the key to transporting goods Laurier was a key figure in the completion of the railroad