Important Figures in Canadian History

Important People

• Louis Riel, a Métis leader, was prominent during the Red River Rebellion (1869-70) and the North-West Resistance (1885). His actions significantly impacted Métis rights and the establishment of Manitoba.
• John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister (1867-1873; 1878-1891), played a crucial role in Confederation. He oversaw the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1885, connecting the country coast-to-coast.
• Mackenzie King served as Prime Minister during World War II (1939-1945), holding the longest tenure in Canadian history. His leadership navigated Canada through the Conscription Crisis of 1944.
• Thomas Scott was executed during the Red River Rebellion by Riel's provisional government. This event resulted in increased anti-Riel sentiment, particularly in Ontario.
• Wilfrid Laurier, the first French-speaking Prime Minister (1896-1911), promoted Western settlement and fostered reconciliation between French and English Canadians.
• Robert Borden, Prime Minister during World War I, introduced conscription in 1917. He also extended voting rights to women related to servicemen in 1917.
• William McDougall was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Rupert's Land but was rejected by the Métis during the Red River Rebellion.
• Stephen Harper served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2015, focusing on economic policies and Indigenous reconciliation.
• Elijah Harper, an Indigenous leader, played a role in opposing the Meech Lake Accord (1990) for not including Indigenous rights.
• John Diefenbaker, Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) and granted Indigenous people the right to vote in federal elections.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and actively opposed Quebec separatism.
• Justin Trudeau, the current Prime Minister, prioritizes climate action, Indigenous reconciliation, and the legalization of cannabis.
• Lester B. Pearson, known for introducing universal healthcare and the Canadian flag, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
• Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, was leader during the Quebec Referendum of 1995, opposing Quebec sovereignty.
• Paul Martin, Prime Minister from 2003 to 2006, prioritized Indigenous reconciliation through the Kelowna Accord.

Important Terms

• Assimilation involves forcing Indigenous peoples to adopt European culture, exemplified by the Residential Schools.
• Confederation (July 1, 1867) united Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia as the Dominion of Canada.
• The Chinese Head Tax (1885) was a tax aimed at discouraging Chinese immigration to Canada, later replaced by the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923).
• Conscription mandated military service, significantly impacting Canada during both WWI (1917) and WWII (1944).
• The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP, established 1873), later the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP, 1920), was created to maintain order in Western Canada.
• NORAD is the Canada-U.S. aerospace defense system.
• Suffrage refers to the right to vote. Women gained federal voting rights in 1918, with some early voting rights granted to women related to servicemen in 1917, during WWI.

Important Events

• 1867-1900:

  • Confederation (1867): Creation of Canada with initial four provinces.
  • Red River Rebellion (1869-70): Métis resistance to Canadian government control over Rupert's Land; resulted in the establishment of Manitoba.
  • Manitoba Act (1870): Created Manitoba and defined Métis land rights.
  • North-West Resistance (1885): Métis resistance led by Louis Riel that culminated in his execution.

• 1900-1945:

  • Statute of Westminster (1931): Granted Canada legislative independence from Britain.
  • World War I (1914-1918): Canada fought under British command, with significant contributions like the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
  • Treaty of Versailles (1919): Canada signed independently, signifying its increasing autonomy.
  • Great Depression (1929-1939): Significant economic downturn leading to unemployment programs.
  • World War II (1939-1945): Canada independently declared war and played a vital role in major conflicts like D-Day.

• 1945-Present:

  • Quiet Revolution (1960s): Quebec underwent modernization including increased secularism and nationalism.
  • October Crisis (1970): Quebec kidnappings by the FLQ; Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act.
  • Constitution Act (1982): Introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and established Canada's constitutional autonomy.
  • Quebec Referendum (1995): Quebec voted narrowly to remain part of Canada.

Take this quiz to test your knowledge about significant individuals who shaped Canadian history. From Louis Riel to Mackenzie King, learn about their contributions and impact during crucial events like the Red River Rebellion and World War II. Explore how these leaders influenced the nation and its development.