Canadian History through Editorial Cartoons - · PDF fileCanadian History through Editorial Cartoons ... Riel formed a provisional government at Batoche in order to attain ... Louis

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Canadian History through Editorial Cartoons

Submitted by: Meaghan Balzer and Bruno Allard Submitted to: Dr. Sharon Murray

Date: October 30, 2008 EDUC 5633: Methods in Teaching History at the Secondary Level

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Editorial cartoons are a valuable source for studying the prevalent attitudes of a certain

time. They address many of the issues that were being discussed through editorial articles, but

they are more accessible to students. They make use of metaphors, exaggerations, and

caricatures. The messages can be simple or complex. They must be used as a primary source.

Students must develop a discourse that addresses more than the intended meaning of the cartoon;

they must ask questions about the perspectives of the author the publisher, and the intended

audience. Also, students should discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the medium itself.

Editorial cartoons can be used as intensifiers. Where they are available, using cartoons with

opposing perspectives can challenge students’ critical thinking skills. As part of this assignment,

the History benchmarks are used. Firstly, information is provided about the historical

significance of the cartoon. Secondly, information and questions are provided to understand the

cartoon’s intended message. Thirdly, information is provided that reflects time, continuity, and

change. Fourthly, a causal perspective is provided. Lastly, information is provided that should be

considered for a historical perspective.

The editorial cartoons are separated into the four unties that correspond with the

Canadian History 122 curriculum:

-The MacDonald Era: 1867-1896

-Canada’s Century Begins: 1896-1920

-New Challenges and New Ideas: 1920-1945

-Canada and the Global Community: 1945 to present

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Unit I: The MacDonald Era- Expansion and Consolidation: 1867-1896

Image: “A Riel Ugly Position”

What is the historical significance of this primary source?

From 1869 to 1885, Riel was the political leader of the Métis. For sixteen years he led them through their struggle to secure a place in western Canadian society. His activities eventually led to the 1885 North West Rebellion, an event that raised shocking questions about the place of minority peoples in Canada.

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On March 19, 1885, Riel formed a provisional government at Batoche in order to attain acknowledgement from Ottawa. English Canada was very angered with those actions, as they were not willing to understand the validity of the Métis and First Nations’ claim. Soon, they called on the MacDonald government to act. MacDonald sent the Canadian militia to Batoche, Calgary and Battleford, Saskatchewan. The Indian and Métis resistance could not survive against the strength of the Canadian militia. On May 12, 1885, the rebellion ended when Riel gave himself up to the North West Mounted Police. He was tried in Regina where he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. He was hanged on November 16, 1885, in the North West Mounted Police quarters in Regina.

What does this cartoon tell us about the event?

- Who is sitting on Riel’s shoulders, and why is he sitting there? - Was the decision to execute Riel an easy decision for MacDonald? - What were the issues surrounding the execution of Riel? - One of the horses in the cartoon is labeled as “English Influence”, and the other as

“French Influence”. What do these labels represent? The cartoon suggests that McDonald was in a predicament over the execution of Riel. Riel's execution was postponed 3 times: twice to allow appeals to higher courts, then a third time for a fuller medical examination of his alleged insanity. The appeals failed and Riel was hanged at Regina on November 16th, 1885. Many would argue that MacDonald’s decision to hang Riel was purely politically driven, and a result of the pressure from English Canada.

What has changed, and what has remained the same in Canadian history since the time of this event?

- Has the execution of Riel had any effect on contemporary Canadian culture? If so, how?

- What kind of relationship do contemporary Métis and/or Native cultures have with

the federal government today?

Some may argue that the rebellion had profound effects on western Canada. It is seen to be a significant event in the federal government's efforts to control the native and settler population of the West. This event is often seen as the first symbol of the oppression and subjugation of Native people, in Canadian history. Many claim that it took the native peoples of western Canada many decades to recover politically and emotionally from this defeat.

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What were the causes and consequences of the event?

Causes of the North West Rebellion of 1885

- Culmination of the discontent of the Métis, Indians and white settlers which had not declined since the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70.

- The Plains Indians - Cree, Blackfoot, Blood, Piegan, Saulteaux - had been reduced to near starvation due to the disappearance of the buffalo.

- The Métis found the transition from hunting to farming difficult, and by 1884 had grown desperate that their rights would ever be recognized.

- It has been suggested that Riel had psychotic tendencies and that he thought of himself as God’s personal emissary. In this role, he believed his mission was to create a homeland in the North West for the Métis.

- On March 19, 1885, Riel formed a provisional government at Batoche in order to demand concessions from Ottawa.

Consequences of the North West Rebellion of 1885

Short Term Consequences:

- The rebellion poisoned relations among Canada’s Métis, First Nations, and European settles, which resulted in further marginalization.

- It triggered a nationalist wave that brought Honore Mercier to power.

Long Term Consequences:

- The creation of Native reserves and a continuing troubled relationship between the First Nations people and the federal government.

- Resentment from French Canadians toward the Conservative government because the hanging was a symbol of the inequality between French and English Canadians.

What current event does this cartoon remind you of?

- The current struggle between the Federal government and minority cultures.

- Prime Minister Harper’s recent cuts to arts and culture funding.

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References

Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2008: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-4000-e.html http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-2390-e.html

Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion. Retrieved October 20, 2008: http://www.mta.ca/about_canada/multimedia/riel/pdf/printer.pdf

Quebec History. Retrieved October 20, 2008: http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/North-WestRebellion-CanadianHistory.htm

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Unit I: The MacDonald Era- Expansion and Consolidation: 1867-1896

Images: “A Game of See-saw”


The fear of annexation is said to have played a significant role in the creation of Canadian Confederation, and in shaping its constitution. This fear was a legitimate one, as there was even a bill entitled the Annexation Bill of 1866, which called for the annexation of British North America. The bill authorized the United States President to "publish by proclamation that, from

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the date thereof, the States of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada East, and Canada West, and the Territories of Selkirk (present-day Manitoba), Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, with limits and rights as by the act defined, are constituted and admitted as States and Territories of the United States of America" (Library and Archives of Canada). The United States was to pay the Hudson’s Bay Company ten million dollars for the release of all of the property. The bill was never voted upon, and did not become law.

What does this primary source tell us about the event?

- Who is on the see-saw?

- Why are there fish on the see-saw?

- Who is sitting on the rock behind the see-saw? Why is he sitting there?

- What else do you see in the background?

- What role did the Irish immigrants play in this see-saw decision?


Changes

- Canada has clearly defined boarders with the United States.

- Canada has developed its own constitution.

- The Hudson’s Bay Company is no longer the proprietor of the provinces and territories.

Similarities

- The fear of annexation is an on going concern in Canada.

What historical perspectives do you need to keep in mind while considering this event?

At the time of this event, it was not unreasonable for the United States to consider adopting Canada’s provinces and territories. At the time of the cartoon, Canada was not independent and the prospect of purchasing Canada from Britain was not altogether absurd.

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What current event does this cartoon remind you of?

-Canada’s continued struggle for national identity that is distinct from the United States.

-Many Canadians are giving greater attention to the American electoral process than did to the recent Canadian electoral process.

References

Library and Archives of Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2008: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001‐4000‐e.html http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001‐2005‐e.html

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Unit II: Canada’s Century Begins: 1896-1920

Image: “L’immigration”


Throughout the 19th century, Canadian politicians attempted to attract as many settlers as possible. Immigration was largely unrestricted at this time, although in 1885, an Act was passed restricting Chinese immigration through the imposition of a head tax. Nonetheless, there was a massive immigration between 1903 and 1913, so a much more restrictive immigration policy was implemented after WWI.

One of the characters in this political cartoon is Sir Clifford Sifton. Sifton was largely responsible for populating Western Canada. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1896 as

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the minister of the interior, and was later the superintendant of Indian affairs under Prime Minister Laurier.


It is fairly obvious that Mlle Canada represents a resistance to the immigration that was occurring at this time period. Some questions for the class to consider are:

- Who do the people behind Sir Sifton represent? What are they doing? - How is Canada represented in this cartoon? Why is Canada represented in this way? - How is Sifton represented in this cartoon?


This cartoon could lead the class to consider how immigration policies in Canada have changed and remained the same since the time of the cartoon.

- Is Canada more or less resistant to immigration?

- Is there still the same desire for immigrants to come to Canada today as there may have been at the time of this cartoon?

- What were some of the reasons for immigrating to Canada at the time of this cartoon?

- What are some or the reasons to immigrate to Canada today?

What were the causes and consequences of the event?

- Due to the Irish Potato Famine, there was a significant wave of immigration to Canada between 1846-1849. Many of the Irish immigrants landed on Canada’s shores, but soon were off to live in the United States.

- By 1867, there were several loyalists who immigrated from the United States after the American civil war.

- The gold rush to British Columbia and the Yukon created a large wave of immigration. Also, many land seekers made their way to the Prairies at this time.

- During the 20th century, many Europeans immigrated to Canada, especially through the years 1910-1913.

- There are several consequences of immigration, such as Canada’s distinctly multicultural society. Immigration has greatly affected the socio-cultural composition of Canada, through ethnicity, language, labor force, and so much more.

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Some questions to ask the students: - How has immigration affected your life? - How has immigration changed Canada?

What historical perspectives do you need to keep in mind while considering this event?

- What do you think it meant to be a Canadian citizen at the time of this cartoon? - What do you think life was like for new immigrants to Canada?

References Immigration Policy (2008). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from

Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1SEC822292

Library Archives Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2008:

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-2409-e.html http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/008/f1/nlc009158-v6.jpg

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A similar cartoon dealing with issues of immigration:

Canadian Illustrated News, Vol.XXII, No. 7, Page 97. Photo from Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2008. http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/index‐e.html

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Unit II: Canada’s Century Begins: 1896-1920

Images: “Le moment psychologique” and “Notre Drapeau National”.


At the beginning of the 20th century, Canada was a newly formed country. Canadians were beginning to develop a sense of identity as separate from the British Empire and the United States of America. Confederation, as a process, included 9 provinces and territories (NB, NS, ON, QC, MB, NWT, BC, PEI, and YT) by 1900, and two more by 1905 (AB and SK). Canada’s involvement in the Great War and the Second World War contributed immensely to Canada’s identity as independent. These editorial cartoons are from prior to the Great War. The cartoon on the left translates as:

The Psychological Moment Canada: Now that I am a man, I must choose my new suit. Which one will I choose. The Imperials’ is too large and too short; the annexations’ is too long and not large enough. I think a good tuque and coat are still what will suit me best.

The cartoon on the right translates as: “Our National Flag”. What’s interesting about the cartoon is that it was created in 1908, nearly 60 years before it was officially the Canadian flag. At the time of the cartoon, Canada used the Union Flag. The man depicted in both cartoons is Jean-Baptist.

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-Who is Jean Baptist, and why does he represent Canada?

-What do the suits represent?

-What does the imperialist suit represent?

-What does the annexation suit represent?

-What does the independent suit represent?

-What suit is Jean Baptist wearing? What does it represent?

-What suits were worn by what countries at that time?

What has changed, and what has remained the same in Canadian History since the time of this event?

-Since then, Canadian soldiers fought in the Great War and the Second World War.

-Through their efforts, victories, and casualties, they developed a sense of pride and Canadian identity.

-Over time, Canadian identity has developed. The establishment of CBC, the support of Canadian artists, athletes, and others, have contributed to Canadian identity.

-The maple leaf flag became Canada’s official flag in 1965.

What were the causes and consequences of this event?

Causes

-Fear of annexation with the United States.

-Confederation, and a need for a national identity.

-Influences from France and the United States regarding independence.

Consequences

-The development of a national identity over time.

What historical perspective do you need to keep in mind while considering this event?

-Both cartoons are representative of a perspective that was more pronounced in French-speaking Canadians than English-speaking Canadians at that time. French-speaking Canadians were more commonly opposed to identifying Canada as part of the British Empire.

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References:

Canada. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com/eb/article-43011

Hou, C, and C. (1997). Canadian Political Cartoons, 1820 to 1914, Vancouver, BC: Moody's Lookout Press.

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Unit III: New Challenges and New Ideas: 1920-1945

Images: “Blaming it on Bennett: Another Case of Attempted Desertion and Abandonment of Filial Responsibility”


Richard Bedford Bennett (1870-1947) was born in New Brunswick, where he studied and practised law until 1897, when he moved westward and entered politics. In 1927, he became the leader of the Conservative Party. The Conservatives defeated MacKenzie King's Liberal Party in 1930, and were later defeated by King in 1935. Bennett was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1930 to 1935, replacing King during the Great Depression. The Great Depression was a time of economic recession, widespread unemployment, and industrial production collapse. In 1929 and 1930, King's laissez-faire policies, his refusal to provide federal funds to provinces to minimize unemployment, were unpopular. Therefore, Bennett was elected with a majority government. The Depression lasted longer than expected, and Bennett's popularity dwindled until King’s government was re-elected. The cartoon seems to assert that many of the Liberals’

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administrative errors were passed on to Bennett’s Conservatives. In other words, the Liberals did not take responsibility for their errors.


-Who is the man “getting rid” of the baby? (MacKenzie King)

-What does the baby represent? (The Liberals administrative errors)

-Where is he leaving the baby? (On Bennett's doorstep)

-What can you assume about the author of the cartoon? Does he support the Liberals? The Conservatives? Why?

-The subtitle of the cartoon is “Another Case of Attempted Desertion and Abandonment of Filial Responsibility”. Does that support your assumption about the author?


-Are economic recession and unemployment concerns of the past?

-Could the U.S. stock market crash again?

-If so, would Canadians be affected?

-What is different or similar about the 1930s recession and the 2000s recession?

-How did the Great Depression affect farmers, workers, families, and business owners?


-The U.S. Stockmarket crashed in 1929.

-Canada's dependence on the U.S.

-Drought, and unsustainable farming practises led to soil depletion,

-Overproduction and expansion of industries beyond demand.


-The editorial cartoon was created by a newspaper in Montreal, Quebec.

-It was created in 1931, one year into Bennett's term, four years before King was re-elected.

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-The Great Depression was a difficult time for most Canadians. They were frustrated and trying to understand the reasons and preventative measures that could have been taken by the governments in power.

References:


Bennett, Richard Bedford Bennett, Viscount. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved October 26, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://search.eb.com.proxy.hil.unb.ca/eb/article-9078636

Racey, A. G. (1931). Blaming it on Bennett: another case of attempted desertion and abandonment of filial responsibility. Montreal Star March 21, 1931. Retrieved October 26, 2008, from Wikipedia.

Image: Blaming it on Bennett.jpg. (2008). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Blaming_it_on_Bennett.jpg

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Unit III: New Challenges and New Ideas: 1920-1945

Images: “The Conscriptions Pledge”


At the beginning of the Second World War, Mackenzie King’s Liberal government and the Conservative opposition made a “no conscription pledge”. In 1940, King modified the pledge so that Canadians could be conscripted for home defense. In the fall of that year, France and England were fighting a losing battle. The U.S. was not yet actively involved in the war. In 1941, King passed a plebiscite asking Canadians to release him from the pledge. Nearly two thirds of Canadians answered “yes”, but three quarters of citizens in Quebec answered “no”(2008). This event is often referred to as the conscription crisis.


-Why is the King government tied up?

-What do the spike, rope, and axe represent?

-Who or what does Jack Canuck (the man with the axe) represent?

-Who is the man being release, and why?

-How is this editorial cartoon significant to the Second World War?

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Since the Second World War, Canada has been involved in wars, but Canadians have not been conscripted.

-What other wars has Canada been involved in since the Second World War?

-Why were Canadians not conscripted?


-Why did King make a “no conscription pledge”?

-How did he overcome the conscription crisis?

-Nearly two thirds of Canadians voted to release King from the pledge. Did all provinces support conscription?

-Was King released from the pledge? Or were there negative consequences to the Liberals?


-What was the perspective of the King government, Canadians as a whole, and Quebec?

References:


Editorial Cartoon. (2008) In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from Answers.com™: http://www.answers.com/topic/editorial-cartoon

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Unit IV: Canada and the Global Community: 1945 to Present

Images: “The Man Behind the Man Behind the Gun” and “A Double Magnetic Field” by Ting.


After the Second World War, a rivalry developed between the Soviet Union (aka Russia), the United States, and their allies. It was also referred to as a rivalry between western allies and the Soviet allies. The division was referred to as the Iron Curtain. The Cold War, as it was called, lasted until 1991. The Soviet allies included The Soviet Union, East Germany, North Korea, China, etc. The United States' allies included Great Britain, Canada, etc. In 1950, the Korean War erupted between North Korea and South Korea. It was considered to be a conflict between opposing socio-political philosophies (i.e. Democracy/Capitalism v. Communism). The United States and their allies suspected that the Soviet Union and China were responsible for the conflict. During that time, Canada sent special forces to Europe and Asia to fulfil treaty obligations.

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-How is the North Korea soldier portrayed? What is he doing? (He is firing a rifle)

-How is the Chinese soldier portrayed? (He is carrying the weight of the North Korea soldier, but he is not firing)

-How is the Russian man portrayed? (He is carrying both the Chinese and the North Korea soldier, and he is smoking a pipe)

-Who is the Russian man? (Joseph Stalin)

-What does this cartoon represent?

-What does the medium (editorial cartoon) provide? Do cartoonists exaggerate and simplify the issue? If so, why?


-During the Cold War, the United States and their allies were at war with the Soviet Union and their allies. Who are they at war with now?

-Is Russia still considered a threat to North America? If not, who is?

-What was the effect of the Cold War on the Middle East?

-How has that affected Canadian citizens and soldiers in the recent past and present?

-Are we still allies of the United States?


Causes

-The Soviet Union and the United States' involvement and struggles during the Second World War.

-They emerged as superpowers.

-The United States' development of the Atomic Bomb.

-The Bolsheviks Revolution, Socialism, Communism, and dictatorship.

-The conflict between opposing world views: Capitalism v. Socialism.

-Karl Marx and the horrible conditions of workers during industrialisation.

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Consequences

-Conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.

-Conflicts in Afghanistan, and other Middle Eastern countries.

-The Nuclear Arms Race between the United States, the Soviet Union, and their allies.

-Conflict between the United States (Capitalism) and Cuba (Communism).

-In the United States, Senator McCarthy’s anti-Communist campaign.

-Canadian soldiers were sent to Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc.

-The establishment of NATO.


-Ting, the creator of these cartoons, was from Canada. He published through the London Free Press in Ontario.

-The cartoonist provided a Canadian perspective. Most of his information about the Cold War was provided by Canadians or allies. Much of the information probably did not account for the perspective of the Soviet Union. Much of the information provided to citizens in the 1950 was not necessarily accurate.

-Political cartoons present exaggerations of the issues. The use of metaphors is effective, but limited, for the presentation of a message.

References:


Elliott, J. K.(Ed.). (1973). 25 years in an inkwell: Ting cartoons 1948-1973 from the pages of the London Free Press, London, ON: London Free Press.

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Unit IV: New Challenges and New Ideas: 1920-1945

Images: “I wanna get out! I wanna get in!”


Pierre Elliot Trudeau was the leader of the Liberal Party from 1968 to 1984. He was Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984. During his time in office, the Quebec's Parti Québecois was seeking to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada. Quebec's separatist movement was rooted in minority grievances, the situations at schools in Manitoba, and the nationalistic writings of journalists such as Jules-Paul Tardivel and Henri Bourassa. It also had its historical roots in the fact that Quebec had more or less been independent from 1791 to 1841 and the controversy of the Louis Riel's execution. Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island was seeking to have a closer connection to the Canadian mainland.

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-What does the wooden tub represent? (Canada)

-What do the children represent? (Quebec, P.E.I. and the other provinces)

-How are the children portrayed? (As brats...)

-What are the children trying to do? (One of them is trying to get out; one is trying to get in, and one asking for money)

-What is the man doing? (He is trying to prevent them from leaving, and trying to wash them)

-Who is the man? (Pierre Elliot Trudeau)

-Pierre Trudeau is trying to wash the children. What is the significance of that?

-What does “throwing in the causeway towel” refer to?


-Since the 1970s, what happened to the Quebec separatist movement? Did it re-emerge? Is it still active?

-Did Prince Edward Island get closer connections with mainland Canada?


Causes of separatism

-Quebec was more or less independent from 1791 to 1841.

-Quebec's separate sense of national identity.

-The execution of Louis Riel.

-The Conscription Crisis.

-The Manitoba Schools Question.

-The writings of French nationalists Jules-Paul Tardivel and Henri Bourassa.

-The sense that Canada does not represent Québecois adequately (i.e. minority grievances).

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-The influence and popularity of the Union Nationale and Parti Québecois.

-The Quiet Revolution (social, economic, and political reform in Quebec).

Consequences of separatism

-The rise of the FLQ.

-The war measures act

-The 1980 and 1995 Quebec referendums?

.What historical perspective do you need to keep in mind while considering this event?

-Merle Randolph Tingley (aka Ting), the creator of this editorial cartoon, was born in Montreal, from a United Empire Loyalist background.

-Prior to being a cartoonist, he was an engineer in Quebec during the “Quiet Revolution”.

-As a cartoonist, he was employed by the London Free Press.

References:


Elliott, J. K.(Ed.). (1973). 25 years in an inkwell: Ting cartoons 1948-1973 from the pages of the London Free Press, London, ON: London Free Press.

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Canadian History through Editorial Cartoons - · PDF fileCanadian History through Editorial Cartoons ... Riel formed a provisional government at Batoche in order to attain ... Louis