Laurier: The Great Compromiser

Sir Wilfrid Laurier…The Facts  Sir Wilfrid Laurier  P.M  Canada’s first French Canadian Prime Minister  The “Great Compromiser” How do you please your French Canadian supporters while also pleasing the English Canadian majority?

The Status of English French Relations  Question: Why do we have a holiday every May 24 th weekend?  Answer: To celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday and Canada’s strong ties to the British Empire.  Question: What province would choose NOT to take part in this public holiday?  Answer: Quebec!

Ideas concerning Canada’s link to GB:  Many E-C’s believed that Canada was destined to become one of the most powerful nations in the world, following in G.B.’s footsteps  F-C’s disliked the strong ties to Britain. Their deep patriotism was rooted in Quebec and the French language.  WHAT IS THE PRIME MINISTER GOING TO DO TO PLEASE EVERYONE?!

Laurier eventually lost the 1911 election due to a:  B – Boer War  A – Alaska Dispute  R – Reciprocity  N – Naval Issue

A Time of Imperialism: European rivals were in a race to win more colonies. Laurier did not want to be dominated by either G.B. or the U.S.

Issue #1 The Boer War 1899 What could the British possibly want from South Africa?

Issue #1 The Boer War 1899

 British are fighting the Dutch Afrikaners (Boers) in South Africa – diamonds and gold  British turn to their empire, and ask Canada to support them  Canada divided:  French Canadians – “We are not interested in someone else’s war!”  English Canadians – “We should show our loyalty to the Empire!”

The Decision…  Laurier compromises:  Sends only volunteers.  7300 Canadian volunteers enlisted to fight for G.B army.  Significance: 1.English Canadians felt he hadn’t done enough 2.French Canadians said it was too much. Some French politicians quit the Liberal party

Issue #2 The Alaska Boundary Dispute  Canada and the U.S. need to establish proper boundaries after the discovery of gold in the Yukon.  Canada is a united front:  “It is within our nation’s border”

The Border Issue Alaska  -the most Northern State but was not recognized as a State until 1959  -Bought from Russia in 1867 ( The Alaskan Purchase: $7.2 million)  -Russia had used the land for mostly fur trading and sold it without any knowledge of the gold that would later be found.

The Alaskan Border Issue  Movie :Alaskan Klondike Gold Rush Clip

The Border Issue Problem:  -The boundary between Canada and Alaska was never clearly marked.  -This presented an issue when large quantities of gold were found in the rivers of Alaska and the Yukon.

The Decision.. Laurier’s decision:  The final say belonged to England, who sided with the U.S. to keep them as a close ally.  Laurier does not continue to press the issue. Significance: 1.Shows Canada that Britain is not committed to her. 2.Shows Canada that she needs to grow up and take care of her own political affairs.

The Reaction at home:  English Canadians: In complete disbelief that Britain would side with the USA  French Canadians: Were not shocked at all by the decision.

Issue #3 Reciprocity – Free Trade with the U.S  The U.S. wants to tax-free import Canadian raw materials – lumber/wheat/minerals  Canada divided:  Canada’s West supports this – they make money by exporting their raw materials to the U.S. tax-free, and save money by importing U.S. made manufactured goods tax- free.  Ontario businessmen (factory owners) want to keep taxes on American made goods to keep their products competitive. Ontario is an economic powerhouse of the country.

The Decision..  Laurier’s compromise: calls an election – Key issue – Reciprocity (free trade) Significance: 1.Laurier loses the election – Reciprocity is rejected 2.Canada’s western provinces feel left out. They resent all the power being concentrated in Ontario.

Issue #4 The Naval Crisis 1910 Dreadnought Question: What two European superpowers are competing to build the largest navy and control the seas? Answer: England and German

The Naval Question The British are not ready to back down to the Germans so they call Canada for help. Prime Minister Laurier is asked to contribute what he can to help strengthen the British Navy. In response Prime Minister Laurier passes the Canadian Naval Service bill, which built ships that were at the disposal of Britain but also protected Canada’s coast.

Issue #4 The Naval Crisis 1910  Britain is in an arms race with Germany (battleships –dreadnoughts) for control of the seas.  Britain turns to her empire and asks Canada to send $$$ for more ships  Canada divided:  French Canadians – “If we commit to this, we will be committed to every imperial conflict!”  English Canadians – “It is smart to stay connected to the protection of the Empire!”

Naval Question  Feelings in Quebec -The people of Quebec cannot see any positives from creating a Navy for Britain. -This decision causes Laurier to lose support in Quebec and he has now created an opening for his opponents, the Conservatives, to challenge him for the seat as Prime Minister.  Feelings in English Canada -The coastal provinces are for the idea. -Those in the Prairies and out west are upset that Laurier is selling Canada back to Britain.

The Decision… Laurier compromises: We won’t send money, but we will establish Canada’s own navy that, in times of crisis, could become part of the imperial navy. Significance: 1. Shows Canada’s strong ties to Britain and Empire 2. Laurier loses the 1911 to Sir Robert Borden and his Conservatives.

Laurier’s loyalty to both Eng. and Fr. grew into a key issue in the 1911 election – he tried to appeal to both sides, but was “attacked from all sides” “I am branded in Quebec as a traitor to the French and in Ontario, as a traitor to the English….in Quebec I am attacked as an imperialist, and in Ontario as an anti-imperialist” - Laurier

1911 Election With the growing discontent with Laurier the nation is unsure what to do. An election is called in 1911 which has Laurier and the Liberals against Robert Borden and the Conservative Party. The main issues in this election are: Canadian Nationalism and Reciprocity.  Reciprocity: used to describe the concept of free trade with the USA.

The 1911 Election  Laurier (Liberal) -For free trade -wants to help Canada grow by lowering taxes (tariffs) on the US goods to increase sales and partnership -has lost the support of Quebec Borden (Conservatives) -Against free trade -wants to help Canada grow by not trading with the USA. -Has gained the support of Quebec -Those in the Central Canada were against Reciprocity because it lowered the cost of American goods VSVS

 In 1911, pro- British Canadians voted Conservative, and Robert Borden became the new PM.  He would lead Canada through WWI

A shift in Canadian Politics Who wins the election? Why is this a significant shift in Canadian politics? Do you believe Canada has become more unified after the 1911 election? Can you predict any major issues that might be brewing around the world during this time?