CNH - Canada's History in the 18th Century (Lesson)
Canada's History in the 18th Century
Introduction
The encounters between the Europeans and the Native Americans in present-day Canada had lasting effects on all participants, both positive and negative. It’s time to learn about the indigenous people’s involvement in European conflicts in the 18th century in Canada.
Indigenous History
The indigenous people in North America were increasingly involved with the French and British colonists as time passed. Different Native American groups allied themselves with either the French or the British and helped them fight in their conflicts. Many of the conflicts were the result of the conflicts between the two mother countries (Britain and France) not the colonies themselves. Regardless, the conflicts spilled over to the colonies and the Native Americans became involved in them as well since they were allies of the French or the British.
The indigenous people were involved in the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) as well as the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
Native Americans in Canada were involved in the American Revolution because of their alliance with the British. The Treaty of Paris (1783) included a formal recognition of the independence of the 13 American colonies. The treaty restricted British territories to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and part of Quebec. These regions were known as "British North America." The reason there are British and French roots in Canada is that there were French citizens living in British North America following the American Revolution.
British Immigration
The first major British immigration occurred as a result of the American Revolution. Loyalists from the 13 American colonies flowed into Canada to avoid persecution by the patriots. By 1783 about 40,000 Loyalists entered Canada (including 1000 freed enslaved people.) The majority of Loyalists went to Nova Scotia but about 10,000 went to Quebec as well.
In 1784 Britain reorganized the remaining North American colonies in Canada on a more practical basis.
More significant changes occurred as a result of the Canadian Constitutional Act of 1791. The act divided Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada with power divided between the governor (who represented the Crown,) an appointed legislative council and an elected legislative assembly. (Lower Canada was mostly inhabited by French citizens. Remember how Quebec now debates independence from Canada because of their strong French heritage?)
Over time the indigenous people were marginalized as those of European descent encroached upon their territory until they were pushed westward to the Pacific Ocean entirely.
Review
Review your terms for this lesson by completing the activity below.
We have investigated the fur trade in Canada in the colonial days, the French and Indian War and the French and British influence in Canada over the years that has shaped the Canada of today.
Quebec is primarily a French-speaking province of Roman Catholics while the rest of the nation is populated with English-speaking Protestants. The British and French legacies in Canada continue to affect its people even today.
ABENAKI DRAWING [PUBLIC DOMAIN], VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
MAP – CANADA UNDER BRITISH RULE - BY INTERNET ARCHIVE BOOK IMAGES [NO RESTRICTIONS], VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
ALL OTHER IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS