Legacies of Historical Globalization in Canada Ch. 7

Early Exploration of Canada The early exploration of Canada (John Cabot— Newfoundland—1497—Britain; and Jacques Cartier— Quebec—1534—France) had little to do with establishing colonial outposts and much more to do with the idea of discovering a new and quicker route to the riches of Asia.

Thus, it was over a century from the time of Cabot and Cartier before any semblance of permanent settlement was established in Canada by Europeans. The settlement that did result in the early 17th century was limited to two main commodities—fish and furs. In their efforts to obtain these items, the Europeans were greatly assisted by the Aboriginal populations, thus drawing the Aboriginal people into this globalized trade.

Genocide of The Beothuk The first casualties of European conquest in North America were the Beothuk people of Newfoundland. Conflict over access to coastal fishing led Europeans to begin hunting and killing the Beothuk, driving them inland. Those not killed outright became undernourished and died of starvation and disease. By 1829, all Beothuks were completely wiped out as a culture. Beothuk Video Clip

First Peoples and European Settlers Early settlement by Europeans was very gradual and did not pose much of a threat to Aboriginal people. In fact, the harshness of the Canadian climate made early European settlers very much reliant on Aboriginal technology—teaching them how to hunt, get enough Vitamin C, and how to travel using canoes, snowshoes, and tobaggans.

British Control of Canada The competition between France and Britain eventually erupted into the Seven Years’ War, which lasted from 1756- 1763. (Ended with Plains of Abraham Battle) This war resulted in Britain gaining control of a large territory of French speaking citizens. Initially, the British intended to assimilate the French through the Proclamation of 1763 and by encouraging British settlers to come to Quebec.

Accommodation Replaces Assimilation The fact that the French greatly outnumbered the British in Quebec made assimilation a non-starter. It was quickly realized that concessions would be required to ensure the loyalty of the French population under British control. The Quebec Act of 1774 recognized French language and culture rights within the framework of British rule What impact has the Quebec Act had on Canada? What is the significance of it today? Prior to the Quebec Act The Quebec Act

The HBC and the Impacts of Mercantilism At first, Hudson’s Bay Company traders limited their activities to coastal areas and relied on First Nations, such as the Cree, to carry furs to them. Inland forts were built later as competition with the rival North West Company intensified. Aboriginal people were caught up in this trade, which had global implications.

David Thompson’s Explorations

The Legacy of Mercantilism Both France and Britain followed mercantilist policies in Canada. Laws were in place to ensure raw materials were sent to the mother countries for processing / manufacturing. Mercantilism stifled development by ensuring that the country’s economy was limited to supplying raw material. In western Canada, the mercantilist trade in furs impacted Aboriginal people, who initially brought these furs to coastal forts to trade.

Affect on First Nations… Eventually, competition in the fur trade led to forts being established further inland. Settlement of the west followed and Aboriginal people were ultimately displaced off their lands. And so it begins…..