Nationalisms and the Autonomy of Canada 1896-1945 Chapter 2 Nationalisms and the Autonomy of Canada 1896-1945

The government of Wilfred Laurier (1896-1911) Laurier is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Laurier is the first Francophone Prime Minister of Canada. He wants to encourage national unity (end the fighting between Anglophones and Francophones) and reinforce Canadian autonomy.

Imperialism vs. Nationalism French-Canadian Nationalism Proud to belong to the British Empire. Canada should play a role and participate in the expansion of the British empire around the world. Canada is better protected if it belongs to the British Empire. Promotion of British culture (no French outside of Quebec) Questions Canada’s close ties to the British Empire. Demands greater Canadian autonomy. Believes that Canada should not participate in Britain’s wars around the world. The French language and the Catholic religion should be respected across Canada.

Which ideology does each image represent?? Square Victoria in Montreal

Canadian Nationalism (A policy of compromise) Laurier’s government adopts a policy of compromise: Canadians should focus on what they have in common and favor Canadian autonomy. He wants to promote autonomy, while maintaining Canada’s ties to Britain. In order to allow Canada to defend its military interests and the interests of the British Empire, Laurier proposes the creation of the Canadian Navy. This upset both the imperialists and the French-Canadian Nationalists.

The Boer War (1899-1902) The debate in Canada: Cause: Great Britain wanted to annex the Boers’ territories, because it was rich in gold. The British government demanded that Canada send military support throughout the war. The debate in Canada: The imperialists: want to participate in the war French-Canadian Nationalists: oppose Canada’s participation in the war. Laurier’s compromise: He supports Canada’s participation in the war, but does not impose conscription.

Are the people celebrating in this picture Nationalists or Imperialists? Explain.

Review Questions Characterise imperialism. Characterise French-Canadian Nationalism. What was Laurier’s compromise during the Boer War? Why do the French-Canadian Nationalists and the Imperialists oppose the creation of the Canadian navy?

Society Quebec and Canada

The colonisation of Quebec continues In 1910, the government of Quebec (supported by the clergy) restarted its colonisation program, this time in the Abitibi region, in order to stop the continued exodus towards the U.S.A. The soil in this region was less fertile, but the discovery of gold and copper deposits in the 1920s attracted more people to the region.

Immigration Policies The Laurier government wants to encourage immigration in the west of Canada. They use various strategies to encourage immigration: Publishing brochures in many languages Opening immigration offices in various European cities Offering free land to immigrants. Paying for immigrants’ boat voyage to Canada

Immigration in the Dominion of Canada Origin of Immigrants: United- Kingdome (33%), U.S.A (33%), other European countries (33%) Consequences of immigration: Increase of agricultural land: more lands were created in the West, in the form of townships Creation of new provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905.

Systemic discrimination

The Rise of Xenophobia Xenophobia: fear and hostility towards people of foreign origin. Rural Areas: The English were xenophobic towards the Ukrainians, Russians and Polish. Urban Areas: hostility towards immigrants from Asia (Chinese and Japanese in particular) The Canadian government put in place certain policies that restricted immigration of non-Europeans: 1900: Chinese head tax: 100$ tax to be paid for each Chinese person who wants to enter the country. 1903: Chinese head tax raised to 500$ per person 1908: maximum of 400 Japanese immigrants allowed into Canada each year.

French-Canadians outside of Quebec Manitoba: Abolished separate schools for Francophones. But, if there are 10 or more francophone students in a class, they could be taught in French. (Laurier-Greenway compromise). Saskatchewan and Alberta: English in the only language of instruction. Ontario: Regulation 17 (in 1912): English is the only language of instruction