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The Rising of the Metis People
The Metis people are a significant part of Canada, especially in how Canada became a confederation. Even though they were rarely consulting on anything, it was the indigenous people that helped the first colonies thrive. The Metis people were people of both white and first nations heritage. They also had their own language, a mix of French, English and Cree. -
First Invasion by Americans in the War of 1812
General WIlliam Hull invaded upper Canada marking the start of the war of 1812. Hull thought that the Canadians would welcome them with open arms and excited about the opportunity to be a part of America. However, this just further unified Canadians giving them a deeper loyalty to their country. This is significant because it showed that the Canadians loved their country. -
The Canadian attack on Fort Detriot in the War of 1812
The battle in Fort Detroit was a significant battle in the war of 1812. Brock and Tecumseh worked together using the Americans fear of the first nations. This led to an American surrender before any shots were taken. The siege of fort Detroit lifted the morale of the Canadians. -
Laura Secord
Laura Secord walked 32 kilometres to warn the British of a secret attack, she knew about because she was forced to house several Americans. She helped the British win a very important battle, which had an effect on how the war went. The war of 1812 was very important to Canada's eventual independence and Laura Secord playing a significant role in it. -
The Treaty of Ghent
The treaty of Ghent was signed in Belgium marking the end of the war of 1812. Taken over territory was returned to each side and the upper and lower Canada survived and remain British colonies. This is significant because it was the British who eventually granted Canada responsible government. If the Americans had been able to win the war, they wouldn't likely included the colonies as part of their country, -
Rebellion of Upper Canada
The rebellion of upper Canada was led by William Lyon Mckenzie. The people were frustrated with the Family Compact and its lack of representation. Even though the rebellion failed to bring the changes they wanted, it did get the attention of the British who would eventually give Canada responsible government. -
Rebellion of Lower Canada
The rebellion of lower Canada was led by Louis-Joseph Papineau. A group of French-Canadiens called the Parti Patriote took over the assembly and issued a list of demands called the 92 resolutions. Even though the rebellion failed, and they didn't see the immediate changes they wanted, they had caught the attention of the British. This would eventually lead to confederation and responsible government from the British. -
Act of Union of 1841
The Act of Union united Upper and Lower Canada under one government, with two administrative districts with 42 representatives each. Uniting upper and lower Canada was a step towards confederation, however since it wasn't rep by pop the act of union created a political deadlock further addressing the need for change. -
British Repeal of the Corn Laws
The Corn Laws made trade between Britian and its colonies easier by removing tariffs on grains. This was based off of the theory of mercantilism. However, in 1846 Britian repealed the corn laws, showing that they were loosening their control over the Canadian colonies. -
The Signing of the British North America Act in 1867
Coming into effect on July 1st, 1867, the British north America act was passed by British parliament and proclaimed into lay by Queen Victoria on March 29th 1867. This act official stated that the dominion of Canada is its own nation with its own parliament.