SS6H4 The student will describe the impact of European contact on Canada SS6H5 The student will analyze important 2oth century issues in Canada History of canada

ELEMENTS Describe the influence of the French and the English on the language and religion of Canada  Explain how Canada became an independent nation  Describe Quebec’s independence movement.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Why does Quebec want independence? What conflicts have occurred because of Quebec’s independence movement? Why hasn’t Quebec been granted independence? What changes in Canada could occur if Quebec is granted independence?   How have the French and English influenced the languages and religions of Canada?

THE COLONIZATION OF CANADA Canada was first explored by John Cabot of England, and after his exploration, others followed to the land, notably Jacques Cartier of France Samuel de Champlain of France explored Canada and established the settlement of Quebec Became an important center for fur trading The French called the land New France, and would trade constantly with the Native Americans The French established a government and laws in the colony The English settled in the western part of Canada near the Rocky Mountains and near southern Canada

THE WAR FOR CANADA The English and French would fight a war over Canada called the French and Indian War The war ended in 1763, and the English controlled all lands east of the Mississippi River, and allowed the French to stay in New France (present day Quebec) Most English stayed in the north part of Canada, while the French occupied the southern part

INFLUENCE OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE Because of both England and France, Canada has many cultural influences Two-thirds of Canadians speak English, while those who live in Quebec speak French Canadians worship Christianity, but those who speak French are Catholic, while those who speak English are Protestant

THE INDEPENDENCE OF CANADA Just like in America, those living in British colonies grew tired of British rule, and began to rebel in 1837 The British united the colonies in 1841 and established the Province of Canada, having each colony govern themselves In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was created This allowed Canada to be independent, but still under the British control The first four provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Brunswick Over the years, more provinces would join, and the British would slowly reduce their control In 1931, Canada became a free and independent country

QUEBEC’S INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT Around 1960, citizens of Quebec felt they were being ignored and wanted their own rights. They wanted sovereignty, or to be free from government control. They felt French culture was not being preserved. In 1980 the idea to secede, or withdraw, from Canada began to form. The government of Canada passed a law in 1988 preserving French culture. Votes were taken in 1980 and 1995 on whether Quebec should secede, with both votes going no. In 1998, the Canadian government ruled in court That Quebec could not secede without the country’s permission. This issue still is being debated today.