1. Laurier’s vision for Canada was one that meant recognition for Canada as a nation with interests different from those of Britain and the U.S.

2. Imperialism  Establishing colonies away from the homeland (British colonies in Canada)  In the 19th Century many European countries were competing to gain colonies around the world.  There was a divide in both support for Imperialism from the English and the French

3. English-Canadian Views  Most supported it -Would have Military support -Links with nations with similar social and political values  Others thought they should be independent from Britain because they’d be seen as inferior (economy, foreign relations, culture, and government)  Small number believed that Canada should join the U.S. (They felt trade and transportation links naturally flowed north-south.)

5. French-Canadian Views  They didn’t feel as loyal to the British empire  Strong sense of pride in their French-Canadian culture and heritage  Early 1600s marked the first settlements of French in Quebec and even though Quebec had been conquered in 1759, it was still the homeland of the French- Canadian culture  They were a minority  Their culture and rights were threatened by the imperialist movement  At Confederation 1867 – Quebec had been guaranteed the use of French language in their courts, government, and schools.

6. Incidents since 1867, made the French feel like they were losing their rights: Incidents since 1867, made the French feel like they were losing their rights: 1) Louis Riel and the Metis:  Riel was viewed as a rebel by the English speaking people of Ontario (He had ordered the execution of Thomas Scott, an English-speaking protestant who protested against Riel’s provisional gov’t on the settlement. He was also part of a group that believed English Protestants should rule the west)  He was a hero to French people (esp. Quebec) for fighting for French-speaking Metis.  His execution 1885 was seen as a direct attack on French Canadian culture by the federal government

7. 2) French Language Schools outside Quebec:  1870 Manitoba -English and French were given equal status at gov’t, courts, and schools.  French Roman Catholic (RC) separate schools were supported by gov’t tax money.  French became a minority in 1890, pressure was to make all schools English speaking.  The COMPROMISE:  Laurier suggested no longer having a French system supported by taxpayers but have Roman Catholic teachers provide religious instruction to RC students for part of the day.  French speaking teachers would be provided when there were classes with 10 or more French students.  This was changed again to all English in 1916.

8. 1905 Alberta and Saskatchewan  English majority wanted to ‘Canadianize’ the new immigrants who were arriving speaking a number of different languages in all English school system.  Laurier was sympathetic to Catholic and French language teaching, BUT gov’t support went to an English language school system.  Minorities could set up separate schools if they wished. Ontario after 1900  French speaking population had risen to 10% of the province  Their push to have French language interests, was seen as a threat to British institutions and imperial unity.  Regulation 7 in 1910 made English the official language for schools in Ontario.  17 years later in1927- the gov’t allowed some bilingual schools in the province.  Henri Bourassa (French Canadian Nationalist) “If we let the French minorities which are our outposts be sacrificed one by on, the day will come when the Province of Quebec itself will undergo assault.”  Quebec nationalism continued to gain momentum.

9. 3) Two views: Bicultural Canada or Separation  -Should the French stay within Canada and confederation OR  -Should the Quebec separate from Canada?  -Laurier AND Bourassa both believed in the first option  -Canada could be bicultural and bilingual where French and  -English cultures and languages could be treated equally.

10. A number of issues fueled this debate in the early 1900s. They are: 1)BOER WAR - took place in South Africa – trouble (gold and diamond discoveries) between the British settlers and the Boers (descendants of the Dutch).  Boers declared war on Britain and Britain asked Canada to send soldiers.  English – “Yes”, anxious to take part  French – “No”, Canada should not take part in imperialist wars  Laurier- tried to satisfy both sides – no official army sent but would send 1000 volunteers  **In the end, 7300 volunteers were sent and $2.8 M spent

11. 2)NAVAL CRISIS  1909 – possibility of war between Britain and Germany was very real.  Germany was on its way to having the largest Navy in the world and the British wanted (colonies) Canada’s help to build more ships of their own.  Laurier set up the Naval Service Bill – Canada would have its own army but would be under control of Britain in emergency situations  French- Canadian Nationalists did not like it – as we could be sent anytime to fight British imperialist wars  Conservative Party said Laurier was setting up a “tin- pot” navy when immediate contribution was needed to the British navy

12. 3) Alaska Boundary Dispute – conflict with the United States  U.S. purchased Alaska from Russian in 1867- the deal included the “panhandle” – which was a strip of coastline extending south into what Canada considered to theirs. The wording of the treaty was “fuzzy” and no one really cared until gold was discovered in the Yukon.  In 1898 – the Gold Rush brought in prospectors who needed outfits and supplies.  Both Canadian and US merchants wanted to take advantage of the business.  Eventually there were judges appointed to settle the matter. 3 from the US, 2 Canadians appointed by Britain and one Englishman (from England)  The case was settle with 4-2 against the Canadians.. the Englishman sided with the US.  Canadians were outraged!  The International Joint Commission was set up to settle peacefully future disputes between Canada and the United States over boundary waters or rivers along the Canadian- American border.  ** Canadians were more determined to see Canada make its own decisions in the future.

13. 4) Reciprocity- (Trade)  an agreement between two countries to trade certain products without tariffs (taxes).  Farmers wanted lower tariffs on goods traded between US and Canada.  High tariffs meant high prices for farm products and materials.  While tariffs can help to protect home industries by limited foreign competition, it can also mean that prices on protected home goods goes up  Laurier worked out a reciprocity agreement - all products from Canadian farms, fisheries forests and mines would be allowed into the United States free of tariffs.  Taxes on U.S. items like farm implements, building materials, and autos would be lowered.  Some people were opposed feeling that the cheaper American goods would put them out of business.  People were still angry about what happened in Alaska  Worried about the trade between north and south ruining the railway system they’d worked so hard to build.

14. TWO main issues defeated Laurier  Naval Service Bill and the Reciprocity deal with the U.S.  French Canadians did not want to be involved in British Imperialist disputes  English Canadians did not want to be taken over by American economic interests  So the Anti-imperialists joined the Conservatives to defeat the Liberals in 1911