Social Studies 10 The Immigrant Experience
Blog #1 Answer the following on your blogs 1. How do you think immigrants travelled to Canada from Europe in the 1800’s? 2. Why might immigrants from Europe be attracted to Canada in the ’s? 3. Why do you think we have less immigration today from Europe, and more from Asia?
The Immigrant Experience 1. How did immigrants from Europe travel to Canada? Immigrants travelled by ship Extremely long journey Little food and water Disease and contamination was common Many perished during the journey
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3.Why do you think we have more immigration from Asia and less from Europe in Canada today? Less discontent in Europe Immigration to Canada is very expensive, there is more opportunity to the upper-class in Asia We have more trading and business opportunities at this time with Asia, than Europe
The Immigrant Experience Immigration to Upper Canada increased dramatically after the War of 1812 Surveyors came before settlers and divided the land into townships and laying out routes for roads and infrastructure Immigrants were mostly from Great Britain or the U.S. Widespread ad campaigns attempted to attract settlers from all across Europe.
The Journey to Canada A ticket to Canada on a ship was very expensive; many settlers were only able to send one member of their family at a time. Many poor farmers from Europe were escaping overpopulated cities and countryside. Others were leaving a class system that was impossible to escape.
Journey cont… The poorest people came on coffin ships. Passengers were stored in the bottom of the boat, the area usually designated for cargo. The quarters were very cramped with unhygienic conditions that made the spread of disease common Those who survived the journey were often very sick once they arrived.
Multiculturalism Most settlers in Upper Canada were not English. Scottish and Irish settlers were fiercely nationalistic towards their home countries and worked hard to maintain their languages as well as their religions. By today’s standards, most 19 th century Canadians would be considered racist. A sense of arrogance, and a feeling of obligation to “civilize” the world.
Blog #2 Please answer the following on your blog 1.What effects to you think this massive immigration is going to have on the First Nation population of Canada. Economic effects? Political Effects? Social Effects?
Notes cont… 1.Economic effects The Fur Trade was initially very dependent of the knowledge and expertise of First Nations communities. Currency was introduced to First Nations for the first time. The notion of “ownership”, particularly of land, was a very foreign concept for First Nation communities.
cont… 2.Political effects Initially, First Nation leadership was respected. However, the European political system was eventually forced on First Nation communities, and they were forced to abide, without being given the right to vote. First Nation citizens were not granted the vote until 1970!!!!!
Cont… 3.Social Effects First Nations communities were often exposed to European disease, for which they had no immunity. It often resulted in massive loss to populations. The Indian Act eventually led to the complete control of the lives of all First Nation people. This included education, religion and culture.