Setting the StageUntil the American Revolution, British North
America was dominated by:French immigrants (some Acadians)MétisFirst Nations
Traditional systems of French law and land ownership predominated
The Catholic Church was the primary religious institution
The American Revolution (1775-1783)After the revolution, approximately 70,000
American loyalists immigrated to Eastern Canada; around half settling in Nova Scotia
Results:A large Anglophone population gets intermingled
with French CanadiansTensions among these American immigrants
with French civil law and French societyArrival of many English-speaking British
merchantsWho do you believe is the most threatened by
these changes?
The Constitution Act of 1791Divided the province of Quebec into Upper
and Lower CanadaUpper Canada = followed British laws and
was largely EnglishLower Canada = followed French laws and
was largely French
Could there be tensions in this system?
The Constitution Act of 1791
Upper Canada Lower CanadaConcerned that
French Canadians had too much political power
Appreciated their allowance to follow British laws and customs
Benefited from trade with Britain
Concerned that French would be overshadowed by Anglophone power and rights for protestants
This act is the foundation of French-Canadian nationalismThey are given a
‘homeland’ – Lower Canada
The Constitution Act of 1791The act, however, did create a political
impasse:A governor appointed by Britain was in
charge of the colony of Canada; however there was an elected assembly in Canada
The elected assembly could block the motions of the government; but the government could do exactly the same
With both sides blocking each other’s motions – things ground to a halt
The War of 1812“The war both Canada and the USA won…”British warships had been seizing American
ships and pressing sailors into service, among other grievancesUltimately the United States declared war on
Britain (and British North America by extent)Due to the rapid expansion of American
settlers, many Native Americans had been displaced; thus their leader, Tecumseh, joined the British
The War of 1812“I believe that in four weeks from the time a declaration of war is heard on our frontier, the whole of Upper Canada and a part of Lower Canada will be in our power” – John Calhoun, 1812
The War of 1812Ultimately, the British and “Canadian”
forces prevailedThe Americans were extremely afraid of
Tecumseh and his aboriginal forcesBritish volunteer hit-and-run tactics
frustrated the AmericansThe British volunteers wisely planted
themselves in superior geographic locations and strategic points
The celebration of the war of 1812 is a significant form of Canadian nationalism
The War of 1812
Results•Unified Canada – English and French Canadians fought side-by-side•Loyalism – Canada retained its conservative ideology and ties with the British•Immigration from the USA drops – immigrants now come from Europe
Rebellions of 1837Let’s return to the Constitution Act of 1791.
Traditional British methods of ruling failed in CanadaThe Political Impasse
Several reformers attempted to enact change, notably William Lyon MackenzieHe was a radical though
A new election was held and the reformers were voted outThe Anglican Church
Traditionally, the church was one of the largest land owners
Land rent was used as a way to support the churchBut in Canada, land was cheapAlso, many immigrant farmers were not AnglicanTHUS most farmers DID NOT want to rent from the church
Rebellions of 1837:Mackenzie’s Plot
In 1837, Mackenzie plotted to march on TorontoNote: this happens in Upper
CanadaHis forces were surrounded at a
tavern and his soldiers fledMackenzie left Canada and tried
to organize an uprising in the USA, but it amounted to nothing
This rebellion ended quickly and with minimal bloodshed
Rebellions of 1837:Lower Canada
The Lower Canada Rebellion on the other hand was drawn out, and bloodyIt was fueled by ethnic, cultural, and language
disagreements (which are near and dear to many people’s hearts)
Focused on:Economic disenfranchisement of the French
majorityUnfairness of colonial governing – most leaders in
Lower Canada were English speaking businessmen
Union of Canadas: Durham ReportIn response to the rebellions, the
Ear of Durham was sent to investigate the colonial grievances
He was only in Canada briefly, but gave these recommendationsUnite the two CanadasPromote Responsible
Government in the United Canada
Britain agreed to unite the Canadas, but not to the governmental reforms
Union of Canadas: Durham Report“There can hardly be considered a nationality
more destitute…they are a people with no history and literature.” – Lord Durham talking about French Canadians
Although Durham had some good ideas, especially responsible government, he held several intolerant views of French Canadians
In fact, it has been argued that he wanted to unite Canada to ensure a French-Canadian minority
1841: Act of Union
With the Act of Union, Upper and Lower Canada are combined into one territory: Canada•An election must be held to determine the governing group•And, Canadian reformers are hard at work, striving for Responsible Government
The Reformers: Responsible GovernmentRobert BaldwinFrom a wealthy family,
and a member of the Anglican church
Resisted the religious and political oligarchy in Canada
He and his father recommended responsible government to Lord DurhamWanted to see unity in
Canada
The Reformers: Responsible GovernmentLouis La FontaineWas a French-
Canadian jurist and a statesman
After the rebellions of 1837, he advocated political reforms under the Act of Union
Act of Union: An Unlikely Alliance
https://www.historica-dominion.ca/content/heritage-minutes/baldwin-lafontaine
In the election of 1841, La Fontaine’s supporters were prevented from votin
Baldwin offered La Fontaine a seat in York (Toronto)La Fontaine ran and was
elected!Several years later, he returned
the favour and Baldwin was elected in French Canada
Act of Union: An Unlikely Alliance
Why are these men significant?Showed a close respect for unity
between the two major ethnicities in Canada
Were the leaders of the first elected government in the united Canada
The Baldwin-La Fontaine government fought for:Restoration of the official status of
French as a languageResponsible GovernmentDouble-Majority vote
Act of Union: Key TermsResponsible Government
A system of government based on accountability; but in Canada the focus was on the idea of self-government
There would be two houses:Lower House – elected, more numerousUpper House – representative of the aristocracyNote: this mimics the British system
Double MajorityVotes must be passed with at least a 2/3
majority
Act of Union: Final ThoughtsThe 1841 Act of Union laid the groundwork
for Canadian nationalismFoundations of Responsible GovernmentJoint English/French government with
Baldwin and La FontaineHowever, the Act of Union was not
appreciated by Lower Canadians, due to the diminishment of their culture and language