History of Toronto: From Ice Age to Agriculture
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Questions and Answers

Which environmental change significantly altered the landscape of Southern Ontario approximately 13,000 years ago?

  • A shift from a temperate to a boreal forest ecosystem.
  • The formation of the Scarborough Bluffs due to constant erosion.
  • The introduction of agriculture leading to deforestation.
  • The melting of a large ice age glacier leading to new bodies of water. (correct)

How did the migration patterns of white-tailed deer influence the transformation of Southern Ontario's landscape?

  • They accelerated the erosion process, leading to the formation of Scarborough Bluffs.
  • Their presence marked the transition from boreal to temperate forests. (correct)
  • They were domesticated and became the primary source of agriculture.
  • They contributed to the Pleistocene overkill by overgrazing vegetation.

Which of the following best explains the 'Pleistocene overkill' phenomenon?

  • A natural disaster of large proportions.
  • The unsustainable hunting practices that led to the extinction of large mammals. (correct)
  • Climate change that significantly reduced the habitat of large mammals
  • The introduction of invasive species that outcompeted native megafauna.

What primary process leads to the collapse of hanging masses and the formation of a cliff at the Scarborough Bluffs?

<p>Hydraulic forces from water erosion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which set of crops was introduced to Ontario from the south, influencing the adoption of agriculture?

<p>Corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'population pressure hypothesis' explain the adoption of agriculture?

<p>It suggests that increasing population creates competition for resources, forcing cultivation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'oasis hypothesis', what environmental condition primarily drove humans and wildlife to congregate, eventually leading to domestication?

<p>Drought and desiccation around water sources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'heap' concept suggests that people gained knowledge about farming through:

<p>Accidental observation of plant growth in decomposing organic waste. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary purpose did the 'weir' serve for the Indigenous people, as referenced in the context?

<p>A method for catching fish using poles and nets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the British differ in their interactions with the Indigenous population compared to the French, following their takeover in 1763?

<p>The British showed less respect to the Indigenous people than the French had. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical context, why were early European forts typically located near water bodies?

<p>For convenient travel and supply transport. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the French abandoning their trading post near Toronto in the early 18th century?

<p>Intense competition with the British made it difficult to maintain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geopolitical event led to the British gaining control over Toronto and surrounding areas?

<p>The Seven Years’ War and the subsequent Treaty of Paris in 1763. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed most significantly to the tensions leading to Pontiac's War?

<p>British disregard for native customs and mistreatment of native populations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key motivation behind the American desire to establish a confederation and potentially fight the British empire?

<p>To diminish British influence and potentially annex Canadian territories. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe's decision to establish a naval base and fortify Toronto?

<p>To defend against a potential invasion by United States forces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor explains the linear distribution of forts between the British and the French?

<p>Strategic placement to avoid attacks, preventing the supply route from being cut off by enemies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event resulted in Algonkian speakers replacing the Senecas in the Toronto area?

<p>The Algonkians supplanting the Iroquois is still debated by historians. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these methods did Britain primarily use to gain control over native land?

<p>Trade, conquest, and persuasion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the negotiations between the British government and the Mississauga natives in 1787?

<p>A land purchase agreement where the Mississaugas were compensated with cash and goods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Simcoe initially choose London, Ontario, as his preferred site for the colonial capital, before focusing on Toronto?

<p>London offered better access to natural resources and transportation routes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategic impact did the construction of Fort York have on the defense of Toronto?

<p>It provided key defenses against American forces, despite suffering damage during an attack. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the attack on Fort York by US troops?

<p>It caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and government buildings in Toronto. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary motivation behind Champlain's early expeditions and interactions with indigenous communities along the St. Lawrence River?

<p>To foster collaborative relationships through cultural understanding and trade, securing alliances against rival empires. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Champlain's approach to interacting with indigenous communities differ from the later policies enacted that led to cultural genocide?

<p>Champlain sought mutual respect and understanding, while later policies involved forced assimilation and suppression of indigenous cultures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the arrival of European missionaries have on the social structures and beliefs of the Huron communities?

<p>Missionaries undermined traditional beliefs and social structures, leading to divisions within communities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Etienne Brule play in Champlain's broader strategy, and what ultimately happened to him?

<p>Brule served as a cultural emissary and scout but was killed amid rising tensions and conflicts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'Toronto' signify, according to its Iroquoian origin?

<p>Where there are trees in water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did competition between empires contribute to the challenges faced by First Nations communities?

<p>Empires sought alliances with indigenous groups, drawing them into conflicts and disrupting their societies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary effects of new diseases introduced by Europeans on the First Nations populations during the 17th century?

<p>The diseases decimated populations, leading to significant losses and societal disruption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The establishment of residential schools is an example of what broader policy enacted upon First Nations?

<p>Cultural genocide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a significant consequence of the War of 1812 on Toronto?

<p>It resulted in Toronto developing differently from neighboring US communities in the Great Lakes region. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor prompted the incorporation of the town of York into the City of Toronto in 1834?

<p>The town’s expanding port and road networks, coupled with the need to organize municipal matters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor, is best remembered for what?

<p>His leadership in a rebellion, leading to his status as a wanted man and subsequent escape to the US. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Between 1815 and 1851, Toronto experienced a mix of growth and hardship. Which of the following describes the challenges faced during this period?

<p>Increased incidences of drunkenness, violence, and crime as symptoms of widespread poverty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects Toronto's demographic makeup in 1851?

<p>Approximately 97% of the population claimed origins in the United Kingdom, with about a third being Canadian. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the period of Toronto's industrialization (1851-1901), which of the following best characterizes the social landscape?

<p>Significant religious tension, particularly between Catholics and Protestants of Irish origins. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Toronto's cultural mosaic begin to take shape during its industrializing years (1851-1901)?

<p>With the emergence of modest numbers of Blacks, Italians, Germans, Slavs, and descendants of the original native population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common challenge in pre-incorporation Toronto that incorporation aimed to address?

<p>Managing stray animals and appointing magistrates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the emergence of mini settlements with reciprocal economies most significantly impact social organization among native populations?

<p>It facilitated the development of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages within distinct mini-systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor drove the Iroquoian people to establish their houses on higher ground in proximity to water bodies?

<p>To establish a strategic advantage for defense and ensure access to essential resources like water and fish. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was access to resources essential for the development and sustainability of trade networks in early settlements?

<p>Trade provided a means for communities to acquire goods and materials that were not locally available, addressing resource scarcity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Jacques Cartier's voyage up the St. Lawrence River in 1534 primarily influence European involvement in North America?

<p>It marked the beginning of sustained European exploration and eventual colonization in the region. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial economic focus of European visits to North America, particularly in regions like Toronto, during the early stages of contact?

<p>Engaging in seasonal fishing activities as the primary economic endeavor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of European trade goods such as glass and beads affect the material culture of Native populations during the 16th century?

<p>These items were quickly adopted and integrated into existing social and economic systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Samuel de Champlain's role in the early interactions between Europeans and Native populations in the Toronto/Huronia region?

<p>He allied with the Hurons and participated in military campaigns against their Iroquois enemies in New York. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Iroquoian-speaking people move away from the Toronto area?

<p>Presumably due to religious reasons, or warfare. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Samuel de Champlain

Founded Quebec City in 1608, explored the St. Lawrence River, and interacted with numerous Indigenous communities.

Etienne Brule's Role

Joined the Hurons on a journey south to recruit help from other aboriginal tribes at war with the Iroquois.

Early French-Indigenous Relations

Mutual respect, friendships, gift exchanges, and trade between the French and Indigenous communities initially.

British Impact

Competition for Indigenous alliances and trade agreements led to conflicts.

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Champlain & Brule's impact

Violence and traumas in the Great Lakes area in the 17th century due to European presence.

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Mini Settlements

Small communities characterized by reciprocal economies and chiefs who managed land access.

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Missionary Impact

French priests undermined Indigenous beliefs and social structures by promoting European faith.

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Disease Impact

Smallpox, measles, tuberculosis, and cholera decimated Indigenous populations in the Great Lakes region.

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Barter Trading

A system of trading goods and services directly for other goods and services without using money.

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Longhouses

Extended family dwellings, like those of the Iroquoians, housing multiple related families.

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Origin of 'Toronto'

From the Mohawk Iroquoian word 'Tkaronto,' meaning 'where there are trees in water.'

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Implications of Semi-Permanent Settlements

Increased trade, leading to greater supply = less worry.

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Location of Iroquoian houses

Access to drinking water, transportation, and defense.

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Jacques Cartier

French explorer who traveled up the St. Lawrence River in 1534.

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Seasonal Fishing

Europeans initially came to the area for this activity.

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Weir (Native Reference)

Native term for fishing weir, anchor, port, or beacon.

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Senecas

Algonkian speakers replaced them in the Toronto area by the late 17th century.

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Why did the French abandon their trading post?

Competition with the British was too high.

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Why did America want confederation?

Desire to fight the British and take over Canadian territory

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Why were early forts near water bodies?

Hard to get supplies and vulnerable to enemy attacks.

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Pattern of French and British forts

The pattern of forts is linear and not mixed or not interspersed with each other.

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Treaty of Paris (1763)

Treaty that ended the Seven Years’ War in 1763.

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Hurons

Aligned with the France.

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Last Ice Age Melt

The retreat of the last ice age northward from southern Ontario approximately 13,000 years ago.

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Early Settlement of Ontario

Ancient people migrated across a land bridge and settled in the sub-arctic area of Southern Ontario.

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Forest Transition

Forest type changed from coniferous (pine) to temperate (oak, maple), with white-tailed deer migrating to Southern Ontario.

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Pleistocene Overkill

Hunting practice that led to the killing of large numbers of animals (buffalo, mastodons).

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Scarborough Bluffs Formation

Erosion process where hydraulic forces cause a hanging mass of earth to collapse, forming a cliff.

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Introduction of Agriculture

Corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco introduced to Ontario from the south.

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Population Pressure Hypothesis

Increasing population led to competition for limited wild food resources, causing a need for cultivation.

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Oasis Hypothesis

Drought forces humans/animals around water, animals become tame, accidental dropping of grain seeds.

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Pontiac's War

A conflict between natives and the British due to harsh treatment and disrespect after British occupation

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British Land Acquisition

Land occupation was established through trading, conquest, and persuasion.

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Wabakinine, Neace, Pakian

They represented native people in deals with the Britain in late 1700's.

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Toronto as Capital

An emergency measure due to fear of a US invasion.

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John Graves Simcoe

Lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada who established a naval base in Toronto.

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Fort York's Purpose

To defend the entrance to Toronto Bay against potential US attacks.

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US Attack on Toronto

US troops damaged Toronto by burning the mayor's office and other buildings.

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Importance of Fort York

Established by Simcoe and it was considered one of his best decisions.

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The War of 1812

War between the United States and Great Britain.

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Result of the War of 1812

Marked a different path for Toronto compared to US cities in the Great Lakes region.

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1834

The year the town of York became the City of Toronto.

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Municipal Incorporation

The process by which the town of York transitioned to the City of Toronto, with an elected municipal government.

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William Lyon Mackenzie

Radical politician and newspaper editor; Toronto's first mayor.

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Toronto's Original Boundaries

The city boundaries in 1834.

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Poverty in Early Toronto

Common issue in Toronto between 1815 and 1851, leading to increased crime and violence.

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UK Origins

Dominated Toronto's population in 1851.

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Study Notes

  • History of Toronto spans from the retreat of the last ice age to its development as a provincial center and an industrializing city.

The First People (9000 BCE - 160 CE)

  • Around 13,000 years ago, the one-kilometer thick ice sheet from the last ice age receded northwards from southern Ontario
  • People settled in the sub-arctic area of ancient Southern Ontario around 10,500 to 11,000 years ago after moving through the land bridge
  • The landscape transitioned from boreal forest (coniferous trees) to temperate forest (oak, maple)
  • Marked by the migration of white-tailed deer
  • Hunters relied on animals like buffalo and mastodons
  • Water levels began to rise.

Scarborough Bluffs

  • Erosion creates a cliff.
  • Hydraulic forces undermines the mass creating a hanging segment until it collapses.

Agriculture (Around 600-1600 years)

  • Corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco introduced from the south.
  • Population pressure hypothesis posited increasing population resulted in competition for limited resources, driving cultivation efforts.
  • Oasis hypothesis suggests humans and animals gathered around water sources during droughts, leading to possible domestication.
  • Cultural progression moves from hunting/fishing to agriculture.
  • Knowledge of farming developed from observation of decomposition and seed sprouting from waste.
  • Agriculture led to the establishment of semi-permanent villages/settlements.
  • Mini settlements were seen by economies managed by chiefs, they specialized in crops, tools, and materials leading to barter trading
  • Culture, traditions, language, and customs varied and the population began to increase due to mini systems with authorities functioning.

Iroquoian Villages

  • Longhouses housed extended families.
  • Archaeological sites include the 15th-century Parsons site and the 14th-century Alexandra site.
  • Villages were surrounded by fences.

Implications of Semi-Permanent Native Settlements for Social Organization

  • Trading emerged due to the need to acquire resources that were unavailable, resulting in supply demands.
  • Domestication became important due to increased scarcity from high population density
  • Iroquoian houses were located on higher ground near water for defense and water access.
  • Access to water bodies supported transportation and fishing.

The Advent of European

  • French sailor Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River in 1534.
  • Europeans initially came to fish.
  • Late 16th century: Items traded were glass, shell, stone, and bone beads.
  • Iroquoians likely moved away from Toronto due to warfare or religion.

Natives and Newcomers

  • Europeans reached Toronto in the 17th century.
  • Samuel de Champlain explored the area by the Ottawa River and participated in war campaigns
  • Champlain sent Etienne Brule to live with the Hurons (1610-1612) and study their culture.
  • Early relationships were cordial based on respect, however problems occurred when the British arrived
  • Brule used a route west of Toronto to avoid Iroquois war parties.

Diseases and Dislocations Among First Nations

  • Presence of Champlain and Brule symbolized violence in the Great Lakes in the 17th Century.
  • Etienne was killed in 1633.
  • Roman Catholic missionaries undermined indigenous beliefs and social structures, causing divisions.
  • European languages were imposed that led to cultural genocide
  • Between 1634-1640, diseases brought by Europeans killed half of the aboriginal population.

The Name "Toronto"

  • Toronto was inhabited by the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.
  • "Toronto" appeared on French maps when the Senecas lived there ("Lac Toronto").
  • "Tkaronto" (Mohawk Iroquoian) means "where there are trees in water".
  • Native reference was to weirs: poles and netting for fishing.
  • Platforms were used as fish traps.

French Trading Posts in 1720 and 1750

  • Algonquin speakers from Central Ontario replaced the Senecas in the Toronto area by the end of the 17th century.
  • French traders intermittently used the Toronto Passage since the 17th century, erecting a trading post in 1720
  • Was abandoned due to competition with the British, returned in 1750
  • The British eventually overpowered the French leading to the Treaty of Paris, taking control of territories in upper and lower Canada

Forts and Water Bodies

  • Early European forts were primarily located near water bodies, due to easy access and transportation
  • The distribution of forts between the British and French was linear, rather than mixed

British Rule (1763 to 1793)

  • The Seven Years' War ended with of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 giving control to the British
  • Indigenous people found the British harsher than the French which caused unrest such as Pontiac's War.
  • Britain acquired land by trading, conquest, and persuasion.
  • Fighting in the American Revolution occurred near Toronto along the Niagara River.
  • After the US gained independence in 1783, United Empire Loyalists settled on the north side of the Great Lakes.
  • The government paid Mississaugas 1,700 pounds for land in 1787.

Toronto: A Provincial Centre

  • Toronto's establishment as the capital of Upper Canada was for defensive measures against potential US invasion.
  • John Graves Simcoe aimed to set up a naval base in Toronto.
  • Simcoe planned to develop the colonial capital at modern London, Ontario
  • Fort York was constructed to defend Toronto Bay.
  • The US attacked Fort York and burned buildings.

The War of 1812

  • The United States declared war on Great Britain in June 1812.
  • Differences in the evolution of Toronto and US communities in the Great Lakes region resulted from the war.
  • Conflict had burned key buildings.
  • The British retaliated by burning the White House and Congress in 1814.

Incorporation of the City of Toronto, 1834

  • Development was helped by the town's growing port and road networks.
  • The "town of York" became the "City of Toronto."
  • Municipal incorporation occurred in 1834.
  • Minor matters were looked after by town meetings since 1797
  • First mayor: William Lyon Mackenzie.
  • City boundaries were Bathurst Street (west), Dundas (north), and Parliament (east).
  • The community grew.
  • Poverty was common.

Toronto: An Industrializing City 1851-1901

  • In 1851, the majority population claimed origins in the United Kingdom.
  • There was tension between Catholics and Protestants.
  • Toronto became a cultural mosaic with ethnically modest numbers.

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History of Toronto PDF

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Explore Toronto's history, from the retreat of the last ice age to early agriculture. Discover the first people who settled in Southern Ontario, their hunting practices, and the environmental changes they faced. Learn about the introduction of agriculture and its impact.

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