Important Figures in Canadian History

Important People

• Louis Riel: Métis leader; crucial in the Red River Rebellion (1869-70) and North-West Resistance (1885). His actions were vital to Métis rights and Manitoba's formation.
• John A. Macdonald: Canada's first Prime Minister (1867-1873; 1878-1891). Oversaw the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) completion in 1885, connecting the country.
• Mackenzie King: Prime Minister during WWII (1939-1945); served longer than any other Canadian PM. Led the country through the 1944 Conscription Crisis.
• Thomas Scott: Executed during the Red River Rebellion; his death fueled anti-Riel sentiment in Ontario.
• Wilfrid Laurier: Canada's first French-speaking Prime Minister (1896-1911), promoting Western settlement and easing French-English tensions.
• Robert Borden: Prime Minister during WWI who introduced conscription in 1917, extending voting rights to women related to servicemen.
• William McDougall: Lieutenant Governor of Rupert's Land, rejected by Métis during the Red River Rebellion.
• Stephen Harper: Prime Minister (2006-2015); emphasized economic policy and Indigenous reconciliation.
• Elijah Harper: Indigenous leader who opposed the Meech Lake Accord, arguing it didn't consider Indigenous rights.
• John Diefenbaker: Prime Minister (1957-1963); introduced the Bill of Rights (1960) and Indigenous voting rights.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and fought against Quebec separatism.
• Justin Trudeau: Current Prime Minister, focused on climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and legalizing cannabis.
• Lester B. Pearson: Introduced universal healthcare and the Canadian flag, winning the Nobel Peace Prize (1957).
• Jean Chrétien: Prime Minister (1993-2003), opposing Quebec sovereignty during the 1995 referendum.
• Paul Martin: Prime Minister (2003-2006); prioritized Indigenous reconciliation through the Kelowna Accord.

Important Terms

• Assimilation: Indigenous peoples were forced to adopt European culture; a process epitomized by Residential Schools.
• Confederation (July 1, 1867): United Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as the Dominion of Canada.
• Chinese Head Tax (1885): Tax aimed to restrict Chinese immigration; replaced by the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923).
• Conscription: Compulsory military service, impacting Canada during WWI (1917) and WWII (1944).
• NWMP (1873): Established to maintain order in Western Canada, evolving into the RCMP (1920).
• NORAD: A Canada-US aerospace defense system.
• Suffrage: Women gained the federal right to vote in 1918, with WWI-related voting rights in 1917.

Important Events

• 1867-1900:

• Confederation (1867): Four provinces united (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia).

• Red River Rebellion (1869-70): Métis resistance against Canadian government control of Rupert's Land led to Manitoba’s creation.

• Manitoba Act (1870): Created Manitoba while guaranteeing Métis land rights.

• North-West Resistance (1885): Métis led by Riel opposed Canadian rule, resulting in his execution.

• 1900-1945:

• Statute of Westminster (1931): Canada gained legislative independence from Britain.

• WWI (1914-1918): Canada fought under British command; Vimy Ridge was a key victory.

• Treaty of Versailles (1919): Canada signed independently, demonstrating growing autonomy.

• Great Depression (1929-1939): Economic crisis leading to unemployment programs.

• WWII (1939-1945): Canada independently declared war and took part in crucial battles.

• 1945-Present:

• Quiet Revolution (1960s): Quebec's modernization emphasized secularism and nationalism.

• October Crisis (1970): FLQ terrorist activities in Quebec led to use of the War Measures Act.

• Constitution Act (1982): Canada established full constitutional control, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

• Quebec Referendum (1995): Quebec voted to remain in Canada by a narrow margin.

This quiz explores significant individuals who shaped Canadian history. From leaders like Louis Riel and John A. Macdonald to wartime Prime Ministers like Mackenzie King and Robert Borden, test your knowledge on their contributions and controversies. Understand the impact of these figures on Canada's development and culture.