Pre-Confederation Canada and Its Founding Fathers

Study Notes

Canada Before Confederation (1860)

Canada was vulnerable to a potential attack from the Yankees, and there was no unified government or rules to govern the region.
The French and English had historical tensions, leading to a "Wild Wild West" style environment.
John A. Macdonald was the leader of the Liberal-Conservative Party in Canada West and would later become the first Prime Minister of Canada.

Key Figures

John A. Macdonald:
- Built the railway.
- Created the Manitoba Act.
George-Etienne Cartier:
- Leader of Les Bleus in Canada East.
- Advocated for federalism to give Canadiens control and protection.

Original Four Provinces

The original four provinces to join Confederation were:
- East province of Canada (now Quebec).
- West province of Canada (now Ontario).
- Nova Scotia.
- New Brunswick.

Factors Leading to Confederation

Military and Security Factors:
- Fear of Yankees attacking Canada.

Consensus Decision Making

Consensus is when everyone has to agree.
Representation by Population (Rep by Pop) means more representation based on population.

Manifest Destiny

An American belief that it is the natural right of the United States to control all of North America.

Ottawa as the Capital

Located at the intersection of three rivers for easy transportation.
Borders Canada East and West, making it a central location.
Close to the US border for defense purposes.

Federal and Provincial Powers

After the British North America Act was signed, the Federal government took over:
- Indigenous land rights.

The Metis and Red River Colony

The Metis were angry at the Canadian government for:
- Selling their land without permission.
- Ignoring their rights.
- The Pemmican Proclamation.
- Sending scientists to test their land.

Who were the Metis?

The Metis were people of mixed First Nations and European ancestry.
They lived in the Red River region in Winnipeg.
They spoke the language of Michif, a mix of Cree, French, English, and Anishanabe.

The Country Born Metis

They were the children of First Nations women and British traders from the Hudson's Bay Company.

Lord Selkirk

Philanthropist from Scotland.
Bought land from the Hudson's Bay Company and gave it to Scottish settlers.

Battle of Seven Oaks

A conflict between First Nations and Scottish settlers.
Showed the Unified Metis Resistance.
21 Scottish settlers died, and 1 Metis died.

Key Figures in the Red River Rebellion

Louis Riel:
- Leader of the Rebel and Metis provisional government.
- Translator who spoke English, French, and Metis.
- Escaped to the US.
Thomas Scott:
- Soldier from Ottawa.
- Captured and killed by the Metis.
- Said Louis Riel would never be forgiven.
Gabriel Dumont:
- Hunter and leader of the provisional government.
- Hunt chief of the Metis.

Manitoba Act (1870)

Made Manitoba a province.
Led to the influx of English settlers, resulting in the loss of land and less federal control.

Canada in 1870

Manitoba became a province.
The railway was built.
Soldiers moved in.
Resistance and conflict occurred.
Louis Riel died.
Starvation and poverty were widespread.
The buffalo population declined.

1870 Provinces

Ontario.
Quebec.
Nova Scotia.
Manitoba.
British Columbia.

Metis Culture and Identity

The sash (a long, colourful belt) is an important symbol of Metis identity.
The Metis have a distinct culture and history, drawing on diverse ancestral origins such as Scottish, Irish, French, Ojibway, and Cree.
The Red River Jig is a traditional dance performed by Metis and First Nations people.
Beaded flowers are a form of Metis art, featuring patches beaded with one different colour bead.

Description

Test your knowledge about Canada's history before Confederation in 1867, including its leaders and the formation of the original provinces. Learn about John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier, two influential figures in Canadian history.