Canadian Immigration (1896-1914) Study Guide PDF

The New Canadians (1896-1914) Study Guide: Topic Review Reasons for Immigration to Canada ​ Need for Farmers ○​ Canadian government aimed to populate and cultivate the Prairie provinces. ○​ Offered incentives such as free or affordable land to attract European farm...

The New Canadians (1896-1914) Study Guide: Topic Review Reasons for Immigration to Canada ​ Need for Farmers ○​ Canadian government aimed to populate and cultivate the Prairie provinces. ○​ Offered incentives such as free or affordable land to attract European farmers. ​ Fleeing Persecution ○​ Groups like Doukhobors and Jews sought refuge from religious and political oppression in Europe. ​ Seeking Work ○​ Industrialization and infrastructure projects, particularly railways, created a demand for labor. Immigrant Communities and Settlements ​ Bloc Settlements ○​ Immigrants settled in large groups, maintaining cultural continuity and support networks. ​ Ukrainian Communities ○​ Established predominantly in the Prairies, contributing to agriculture and cultural diversity. ​ Doukhobor Communities ○​ Known for communal living and pacifism, faced tensions with Canadian authorities over land and military service. ​ Home Children ○​ British children sent to Canada for better opportunities; many faced harsh conditions and exploitation. ​ Chinese Communities ○​ Played a crucial role in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. ○​ Faced racial discrimination and legal barriers, including the head tax. ​ Jewish Communities  ○​ Fled anti-Semitic violence in Eastern Europe, forming vibrant communities in Canadian cities. Government Policies and Regulations ​ Chinese Head Tax (1885-1923) ○​ Aimed to limit Chinese immigration by imposing a tax on each entrant. ​ Immigration Act (1910) ○​ Established a framework for managing immigration, granting the government extensive control over entry. ​ Continuous Journey Regulation (1908) ○​ Targeted Indian immigration by requiring a non-stop journey from the country of origin, effectively limiting arrivals. Societal Reactions and Criticisms ​ Criticizing Immigration Policy ○​ Some Canadians opposed the government's preference for certain ethnic groups, advocating for more restrictive policies. ​ Protesting and Discouraging Immigration ○​ Labor groups and nativist movements opposed immigrant competition in the job market. ​ Responding to Black Immigration ○​ Discriminatory policies and practices aimed at discouraging Black immigration through restrictive measures. Key Dates and Events ​ 1896: Start of the "Last Best West" campaign to attract European farmers. ​ 1908: Implementation of the Continuous Journey Regulation. ​ 1910: Introduction of the Immigration Act, expanding government control over immigration. ​ 1914: Outbreak of World War I, leading to shifts in immigration patterns and policies. This study guide outlines the motivations, experiences, and challenges faced by new Canadians between 1896 and 1914, highlighting key policies, societal reactions, and significant events that shaped this era.