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+ The Boer War and French Canadian Relations

Wilfred Laurier Liberal became Prime Minister in 1896 Canada ’ s first francophone (French as a first language) Prime Minister July 11, 1896 – October 5, 1911 July October

+ Canada at the Turn of the Century: Society Most Canadians live on Farms (Rural). There is massive English and French tension Lord Durham Report: “ two nations warring in the bosom of a single state" Laurier tried to bridge the tension. His compromises disappointed both sides

+ French-English Relations: Laurier ’ s Compromises Manitoba Schools Dispute, : when Manitoba entered Confederation, French-speaking Catholics were guaranteed bilingualism and Catholic schools however, the Manitoba School Act of 1890 made English the official language and did not give any money to the Catholic schools Laurier, concerned with the reactions from people of Quebec, introduced a compromise; the public schools would provide a French-speaking teacher if there were more than 10 French-speaking students, and religious instruction would take place at the end of the school day this dispute could be considered to mark the beginning of modern French/ English tensions in Canada

+ Manitoba Schools Dispute Leads to Questions English and French tension Involved publicly funded separate schools for French and Englishseparate schools Deeper question of whether French would survive as a language or a culture in Western Canada. Laurier developed a compromise. Allowing Catholic education (in French) would be permitted in public schools

+ French-English Relations: Laurier ’ s Compromises Cont. Boer War, : the Boer War was fought in South Africa between Britain and the “ Boers ” (Dutch descendents) Britain wanted Canada to send troops English Canadians, feeling loyal to Britain, wanted to go (imperialists) French Canadians felt they should not have to fight a war which did not involve them as Canadians Laurier sent a volunteer army, which French Canadians considered doing too much and English Canadians considered doing too little Henri Bourassa resigned from Laurier ’ s cabinet in response between and soldiers and 16 nurses served in the war, and between 200 and 300 soldiers were killed

+ French-English Relations: Laurier ’ s Compromises Cont. Naval Crisis, 1910 an arms race was quickly building between Britain and Germany, who was challenging Britain ’ s naval superiority – Britain asked Canada to build and give them naval ships with English-Canadians supporting it, and French-Canadians against it, Laurier decided that Canada would build its own navy, which would serve Britain if they did end up going to war those loyal to Britain did not feel that it was enough, while French Canadians felt it was giving them too much it results in Canada ’ s first Navy (nicknamed the “ Tin- Pot Navy ” by those who felt it was not enough)

+ Why Immigrate? pull factors (lured immigrants to Canada): Canada was a democratic nation (many immigrants were coming from non-democratic countries) which meant freedom from religious persecution promise of free land in Western Canada immigration agents were stationed in foreign countries in order to recruit immigrants push factors (forced immigrants to leave their countries): many people faced religious persecution in their home countries poor economic conditions meant that it was very difficult for people to make a living or to get ahead in life shortage of land (in contrast to Canada’s abundant free land) limited work in Europe