Imperialism and Conflict

Your Navy is Our Navy French and English relations in Canada have always been difficult and rocky. Most English were loyal to the mother country in Britain and her Empire, and most French felt as though they were not connected to anymore to Britain. Those loyal to the Empire were called imperialists. As a result of Canada being a British colony, and then British protectorate, Canada had always relied on Britain for naval and military support. Britain had the most powerful navy at the turn of the century. Some were stationed in Halifax and Esquimalt. Many viewed military affairs as the responsibility of the British imperial government in London.

French/English Support for Britain Most English speaking Canadians were still proud to be British subjects under the crown. This being the case they were glad to help Britain out when needed. Boar War. People shared in the idea of expanding the British empire through imperialist ways. Most French speaking Canadians did not care for the British Empire. Many were descendents of New France and the people who settled it 200 years earlier. They saw themselves as Canadiens, and not British subjects. The French tended to be nationalists and not loyal to the crown. They were disappointed in the decision to send troops to the Boar War.

Language Rights in Canada Language rights continued to be an issue in Canada. The French lost the right to French instruction in Manitoba, and then Alberta and Saskatchewan. Henri Bourassa stated that maybe Canadiens would be better off without Canada because their rights as a minority were not being protected as promised at confederation.

Canada as a Military Partner As the 1900’s approach, things began to change in Canada, and the dependence we once had was shifting to the other side. Britain was now turning to Canada for support and finance on the military front. Imperial Issues/Events

The South African War (Boer War)

The Naval Issue

The Alaska Boundary Dispute

The Laurier Boom During Laurier’s time in office, Canada’s economy began to see great prosperity, and world prices and markets began to expand for Canadian products. A rise in industrial production created demand for raw materials. This allowed Canada to increase prices based on the demand creating more profit. Better shipping technology combined with lower freight rate helped the export of Canadian goods. New technologies in production allowed for Canada to make the most of its natural resources. Pulp and paper, and mining of the Shield for rich ore deposits.

The Economy Thrives The CPR allowed for expansion West, and helped the industrial boom reach BC. Dramatic growths in lumbering and mining. Within 10 years the forest industry grew from $2 million to $65 million. Harvest rights and accessibility led to cutting frenzies. Rising world prices helped the agricultural industry to thrive on the prairies. Farmers began to increase production and diversify their crops. The region was not the “bread basket of the world,” and not the agricultural hinterland of Canada. New hydro electric potential was beginning to be harnessed for use in the new factories and mines.