Wilfrid Laurier: The Great Compromiser

                               

Sir Wilfrid Laurier(1841-1919)

What?

• spent many years as prime minister in the early 1900s • leader of Liberal Party • a French-Canadian • strong believer of

compromise What Else?

Canada’s 7th Prime Minister Served as PM 11 July, 1896 -

October, 1911

Historical Significance• led the new country to maturity as a nation .• passion, determination, enthusiasm for Canada made immigrants feel loyal and patriotic • since French-Canadian, he made the French Canadians feel included.• strong spokesperson helped place Canada in the global community.• resolved conflicts between English-speaking Manitobians and Manitoba's French-speaking Catholics

Important Events for Laurier

Imperialism: policy of establishing colonies away from the homeland and building an empire.

Colonies provide raw materials, market for manufactured goods, soldiers for war.

Canada part of British Empire (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa)

Canada self-governing, but Britain controls foreign affairs.

Question: Should Canada remain within Empire, or seek independence?

English-Canada’s View: support for imperialism; did not support Canadian nationalism(a feeling of loyalty for one’s country).

French-Canadian View: no loyalty to Britain, no like of Britain; sense of nationalism, but French-Canadian nationalism.

French-Canadian Nationalism

Confederation: Quebec guaranteed use of French language in courts, government and schools; kept system of civil law and Roman Catholic religion.

Louis Riel: leader of Métis (people of mixed French and Aboriginal heritage) executed in 1885; led Red River Rebellion and was executed by Canadian gov’t.

Manitoba Schools Act:• passed in 1890• act cut off money for Roman Catholic schools in Manitoba and made English the only language of instruction.• in the end, Laurier set a compromise: Manitoba would not have to support Catholic separate schools, but public system would have to give half an hour for religious instruction. Also, a French-speaking teacher would be provided if ten or more students spoke French.Henri Bourassa: supports Quebec in Confederation (like Laurier), wants autonomy for provinces.

The Boer War

Boer War (1899-1902): Fight between Dutch settlers in South Africa (rich in gold, diamonds) and British settlers/Empire.Britain asks Canada to send troops.English-Canada: Yes.French-Canada: No.Laurier’s Compromise: Canada sends no official army, but would equip and send 1000 volunteers.Result: 7300 volunteers and $2.8 million in support are sent.English reaction: not enoughFrench reaction: too much.

The Naval Crisis

Naval competition between the British and the German Empire escalated in early 20th century.British asked Canada for more money, resources for ship construction.Imperialists: YesNationalists: NoLaurier’s Compromise: Naval Service Bill of 1910 which created the Royal Canadian Navy; consists of five cruisers and six destroyers.Result: Imperialists (English-speaking) and Nationalists (French-speaking) not pleased.

Alaska Boundary Dispute

• vague boundary between Canada and the United States extending from Alaska • dispute over who actually owned the territory • 1903: 6 officials (3 American, 2 Canadian, and 1 British) joined to settle once and for all • British took the side of the Americans • confirmed Canadian suspicions that Britain was willing to put its diplomatic interests before Canada's • forced Canadians to become determined to take their nation's destiny into their own hands

Summary of Laurier’s Legacy

Lost election of 1911 to Robert Borden (Conservatives) as a result of his desire for reciprocity (free trade) with US.

Gained greater control over foreign affairs (Canada would decide its contributions in troops, etc., to imperial wars; Canada had its own navy; in 1909, Canada set up its own External Affairs).

His willingness to compromise did not gain him any favors, but may have been the reason he remained in office for as long as he did.