Canada: An Introduction to a New Age 1896-1914

Introduction 1905 Alberta and Saskatchewan join confederation. This made Canada a country that now stretched from sea to sea. Even with Canada’s vast territory it feared takeover from the US. This was both political and economic. Canada was also struggling with trying to find a greater independence from Britain, and they wanted more control over its own foreign affairs. Canada was still a part of the British Empire, but this created problems within Canada. The constant struggle of English and French relations. Laurier worked towards bringing French and English Canadians together as one in Canada.

Canada’s First French Canadian Prime Minister: Sir Wilfred Laurier Became Prime Minister in 1896 First French-Canadian Prime Minister in Canada’s History He believed that French and English speaking Canadians could work together and that both should be considered in government equally. His election promised a period of lessening of tension between the two groups.

Still A British Nation Even though Canada had its own government during this period in time, it was still considered a British protectorate and part of the British Empire. Britain still had the responsibility of solving issues that took place between Canada and other countries. Because of this some Canadians were disappointed from time to time in the way Britain dealt with issues. Britain did not always have Canada’s best interest in mind when making decisions for them. Case in point is the ‘Alaska Boundary Dispute’ dispute: after the U.S purchased Alaska in 1867, the coastline and where Alaska ended and BC began was unclear. Britain sided with the Americas

Still A British Nation Laurier in the political cartoon is seen bowing to Uncle Sam during the Alaska Boundary dispute.

Boom Times Global markets opened up for Canada’s mineral, lumber, wheat, and manufacturing goods. Immigrants began to flock to Canada from Europe, Britain, US and Asia. People traveled along the newly constructed railways to settle into their new lives in Canada’s West. Technology was beginning to boom. Telephones, wireless radios, cars, planes, and motion pictures. (First automobiles imported to Canada through the U.S in 1898)

Social Reform A Comin’ With the population growth come social reforms. Women and aboriginals began to look for equality and human rights. Labour unions began to pop up on the work site. Even with the new social reforms, discrimination still did take place. Immigrants found it hard adjusting to the new society. Aboriginals still marginalized and discriminated against. Social equality was not fully developed.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier: Continued 7th Prime Minister of Canada 1896-1911 French-Canadien “Golden Age of Laurier”

Laurier is Elected The 1896 election ended 20 years of conservative power in Canada, but also brought Canada its first French Canadian PM. This pleased the Quebecers. They wanted a government that would protect the French language and culture, and Roman Catholic rights. French-English relations had always been a problem in Canada, but they had reached new levels with the execution of Louis Riel.

Conflict and Compromise Laurier was interested in promoting national unity, while protecting Canadian interest abroad. He wanted a nation that was united with both French and English speaking citizens. It was the violation of the Manitoba Act were English only education was developed that helped Laurier win the election in 1896. Macdonald refused to intervene in the situation, and most French-Canadians turned and voted for Laurier.

Imperialism: A French English Split