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Hudson Bay Company controls fur-trading in Rupert's Land
The Hudson Bay Company begins owning the fur-trading monopoly in Rupert's Land. -
Hudson Bay Company is given a fur-trading monopoly
In 1670, King Charles II of England gave the HBC a fur-trading monopoly. -
Battle on the Plains of Abraham (7 Years' War)
British General James Wolfe fought against French General Montcalm. British was victorious and claimed the area of New France. -
Britain begins to occupy to area around the Great Lakes
The British claims and occupies the area of land around the five Great Lakes. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed. This is an agreement that states that France is still allowed to keep two islands off of the coast of Newfoundland. This was signed after the 7 Years War. -
British finishes occupying the area around the Great Lakes
The British no longer have control over the area around the Great Lakes. -
Quebec Act
The British passed the Quebec Act. This allowed Canadiens to maintain their French culture, so the British can gain the trust of the French and also the land. This allows the British to gain more furs, which was even mroe valuable than gold during that time. -
Loyalist Migration
The Loyalists migrated North. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of paris ended the American Revoluton a.k.a the War of Independence. The Loyalists migrated North and the Natives that were still loyal settled in an area known as the 6 Nation Reserves. They were led by Thyendanegea (Joseph Brant). -
Fur-trading Business was big
In this year, the fur-trading business began to go big. It was booming. -
New Brunswick and Cape Breton island formed
The British government created two new colonies, New Brunswick and Cape Breton Island. Many Loyalists were residing in the Atlantic. -
Constitutional Act
The Constitutional Act was placed. This act stated that the area of Canada would be known as Upper Canada and Lower Canada. Upper Canada belonged to the British and is what we now know as Ontario. Lower Canada belonged to the French and is what we now know as Quebec. -
Corn Laws
From 1791 to 1846, tariffs on "corn" imported to Britain were a lot less than other colonies. This was part of a mercantile system known as the Corn Laws. -
First group of settlers arrive at York Factory
Thew first group of the Red River Settlement arrive at York Factory in 1811. They had very difficult winters and the living conditions were harsh. In spring, they journeyed to the Red River Valley, they arrived in August. It was too late to plant crops. They were able to survive another winter with help from the Metis and First Nations. -
War of 1812
This is the start of the War of 1812. It was a war between Canada (Britain) and America. British officer Sit Isaac Brock defend the area of Upper Canada. Chief Tecumseh (a native chief) allied with Upper Canada. 600 Indians fought alongside Brock when America made their attacks. -
Second group of settlers arrive at York Factory
In the spring of 1813, the sedcond group of Red River settlers followed. They also had to endure many hardships. -
Treaty of Ghent
This treaty led to the end of the War of 1812. It was signed by both colonies and it was stated that the outcome was a "tie". That is why this war is also called the war that nobody won -
The Pemmican Proclamation
The Pemmican Proclamation was passed because conditions were harsh for the Red River settlers. It stated that no food could be taken from Assiniboia without a license. This affected the Metis because they made pemmican to sell to traders. It was an important source of their income. They felt that the Governor had no right to pass laws in their land. The Metis started to destroy settler's crops. They also attacked Fort Douglas. -
The Great Migration
This was the start of the Great Migration. Many people came from Europe (mainly Britain). A lot of the Irish resided in Prince Edward Island due to a potato famine from a fungus known as blight. -
Seven Oaks Incident
The Metis met the new governor near Seven Oaks (a group of trees). It is unsure which side started the fight, but in the end the Metis had one death and the settlers had twenty-one. After that, the remaining settlers abandoned their settlement. The next year, Selkirk brought 90 Swiss/Germans called "de Meurons" to get control. Many settlers returned. -
NWC and HBC amalgamated
The Northwest Company and the Hudson's Bay Company amalgated together and formed the Hudson Bay Co. -
Fur-trading business quieted down
The fur-trading business was booming starting in 1783. In 1821, in settled down and was not as big. -
Lachine Canal was built
The Lachine Canal was built to bypass the rapids in the St. Lawrence River. Note: "La Chine" is French for "China" -
Welland Canal built
The Welland Canal was built to bypass the Niagara Falls. -
Rebellions of 1837-1838
The rebellions began in Lower Canada where the French Canadians and English canadians rebels revolted against the British colonial government. These rebellions were larger and more sustained than the rebellions of Upper Canada. -
Rebellions of 1837-1838
The rebellions in Lower Canada led up to the rebellions in Upper Canada. The Upper Canada Rebellion was an uprising against the Upper Canada oligarchy. The rebellions of 1837-1838 were also influenced by the taxes. -
Durham Report
The Durham Report was a report written by Lord Durham. He was the Governor General of British North America (BNA). This report recommended a responsible government for Upper and Lower Canada. It also recommended that the two colonies should unite. This report led to the Act of Union. -
Atlantic colonies achieve responsible government
In the 1840s to the 1850s, all the Atlantic colonies achieved a responsible government. -
More people in Canada West
From 1840 to 1851, there were more people in Canada West than Canada East. This was because of the Great Migration. The people of Canada East found this unfair (more people, more power (representatives)), so the population evened out by 1851. -
Act of Union
The Act of Union was an act that created Canada East (Lower Canada) and Canada West (Upper Canada). This act united the province of Canada. It enabled Canada West and Canada East to work together. The act was passed in 1840 and proclaimed in 1841. -
Loan was given to build canals
In 1841, a loan was given to the government to build canals. Canals were a great way to travel back then except in the winters when the water froze over. -
Lord Elgin is Governor General of Canada
In 1846, Lord Elgin was appointed the Governor General of Canada. In 1854, he gave up this title due to unknown causes. -
Repeal of the Corn Laws
A bill, Repeal of the Corn Laws, guaranteed that no cheap wheat would be imported. GFarmers couldn't compete with the market anymore, so they abandoned their farms and mills and headed for the U.S. -
Nova Scotia granted responsible government
In 1848, the colony of Nova Scotia was granted a responsible government. This was the first colony in the British Empire that received this status. Responsible government is when members of the Executive Council were chosen from the groyp with the most elected members in the Legislative Assembly. -
Canada East and Canada West granted responsible government
In 1849, Canada East and Canada West were granted a gresponsible government. This followed one year after Nova Scotia was granted one. -
Rebellion Losses Bill
The Rebellion Losses BIll of 1849 was created because Canada East wanted repayment for their losses during the rebellion. Canada West had already been granted repayment. There were debates from those who opposed the repayment. This had angered a lot of people. -
The Great Migration
This was the end of the Great Migration. The number of people coming from Europe were dereasing. -
Governments became ineffective
In the 1850s, the governments of Canada West and Canada East became ineffective. This was due to political deadlock. Political deadlock is a position where it is difficult to govern due to disagreements between parties. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was passed. It stated that anyone found housing a slave will suffer. These "slaves" were reffered as the black slaves that have escaped from their owners and were making for Canada by the Underground Railway. -
The St.Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad was complete
The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad is a short line railroad that operated between Portland, Maine (Atlantic Ocean) and Montreal, Quebec (St.Lawrence River). -
Reciprocity Treaty
Lord Elgin led the Reciprocity Treaty through persuasion. The Reciprocity Treaty was a policy of free trade in some items between BNA and the U.S. This meant that those items will either not have any tariffs or will have lower tariffs. -
Ottawa was chosen as the capital city
In 1858, Ottawa was chosen as the capital city for the Province of Canada. This is because there were mobs burning down the Parliament Building, so the capitols alternated between Toronto and Quebec City every two years. The decisions could not be decided until 1858 where Ottawa was chosen. -
Charlottetown Conference
The Charlottetown Conference was a conference discussing the idea of a Maritime Union and a Federal Union (Confederation). This conference was aminly to encourage the idea. Issues like per capita grants (yearly payments to people in new provinces) were discussed. The colonies that attended this conference were: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Canada East and Canada West. In the end, the maritime delegates agreed for Confederation and should be disccused further in Quebec. -
Quebec Conference
The Quebec Conference was to discuss about the British North America Act/Constitution. They also had discussed about Confederation and the 72 Resolutions. The colonies that attended include of: Canada East, Canada West, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. In the end, Constitution was adopted and the 72 Resolutions was signed by the colonies. -
72 Resolutions
The 72 Resolutions were a list of 'resolutions' for the a government. These resolutions were introduced and authenciated at the Quebec Conference. Theyw ere acting similar to the guidelines of a good government. It was expected that the new country of Canada would follow the resolutions. -
London Conference
The London Conference was held in London, England. It was the third and final conference that led up to Confederation. This was the continuation fo the Quebec Conference. It was to confirm the BNA Act. Delegates from Canada East, Canada West, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick attended the conference with some British officials. The meeting resulted into the British North America Act. -
British North America Act (BNA Act)/Constitution Act, 1867
The BNA Act was created in 1867 and discussed at the Quebec Conference. This document stated the type of government that the coutnry of Canada would follow (federalism). There is also a list of the responsibilities of the provincial and federal governments. Along with that, the name states that there are still some ties with Britain. -
Alaska purchased by America
Alaska was purchased by America which scared the Canadians. Now America can attack from Alaska and main U.S.A. -
Confederation
Canada East, Canada West, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick unite together to form the country of Canada. They follow a federalism type of government. The chosen Prime Minister is Sir John A. MacDonald. Together, they try to follow MacDonald's vision, a colony stretching from sea to sea. -
Gold found in Fraser River
In 1858, gold was found in the Fraser River. This caused a gold rush and many people moved over to that area (mainly the Okanagan Valley). The Aboriginals were already in the area and their villages were damaged. This event was forming the province of British Columbia and it became important in MacDonald's eyes. -
Hudson Bay Company loses control over Rupert's Land
The HBC lose control over Rupert's Land. It is bought by the Canadian governemnt. -
Surveyors sent to divide land
Serveyors were sent to Assiniboia to divide the land for roads and boundaries. The land division was in a grid, not like the signourial system. The settlers and Metis were not consulted with this and they protested. This amde the surveyors leave. -
Red River Resistance
This was a resistance against the government for more rights. They did not like how they were treated. Louis Riel was the leader of the Metis and this resistance. Many arguments happened with the government and places were conquered (e.g. Fort Garry). -
Canada bought Northwest Territories
The entire area of the Northwest Territories (Rupert's Land and more) was purchased by Canada from the HBC. This was important in fullfilling MacDonald's sea to sea vision. Since the area of Assiniboia was part of the NWT, roads were built into the Red River Settlement and the Metis lost control over their land. -
War between tribes
There was a war between the Cree and the Blackfoot caused by the settlers. Buffalo was becoming scarce, so the settlers moved West to Cree land. They push the Cree into the Blackfoot land and warare began. Later, there were even more deaths from slow pox. -
William McDougall checks on the Red River Settlement
The Prime Minister, MacDonald, appoints WIlliam McDougall to go to the Red River Settlement and stop the resistance. He was blocked by 14 Metis. They wanted to negotiate. -
Upper Fort Garry is captured
Upper Fort Garry was captured by the Metis National Committe. This committee determines the future of Metis and also negotiates witht eh government. Louis Riel was a part of this with John Bruce. They captured the fort (which was the HBC's headquarters). The Metis now had food, ammo and the winter acted as a natural barrier against attacks. -
Riel meets with authorities
Louis Riel meets with 12 English men and 12 French men from the Red River Settlement. They discussed about the Metis and the future of Upper Fort Garry. -
Metis take over
The Canadian Party (led by John Schultz) wanted the Anglophones and the Protestants to control the Red River Settlement. Obviously, Louis Riel did not agree to this. So, he and other Metis surrounded Schultz and "took over". -
Metis Bill of Rights and Provisional Government
Provisional government (government set up when recent political governemnt collapses (temporary)) set up by Louis Riel and his Metis followers in Upper Fort Garry. Government wanted to maintain order, so the Metis Bill of Rights were drawn up. This bill is a list of conditions that the Canadian governemnt should abide by. These rights included of NWT joining Confederation, seperate schools for seperate religions, cultural recognition, mroe rights to vote and amnesty for those in the resistance. -
Thomas Scott executed
Thomas Scott, an Irish protestant, was executed for treason because of his extreme racism. He was imprisoned in Fort Garry and opposed the Metis. He escaped and was recaptured. He was executed by a firing squad on March 4th. This angered many Anglophones and they asked the PM to send troops for Riel. The French were alarmed and abcked up Riel. MacDonald had to amke a difficult decision. -
Manitoba Act
The Manitoba Act was passed and the postage stamp province was created. It joined Confederation and the Metis Bill of Rights was accepted. The crown lands of the Red River Settlement was kept and many religious schools were implemented. Unfortunately, amnesty was not granted to people who played a major role in the Red River Resistance (Louis Riel). -
British Columbia joins Confederation
British Columbia joins Confederation as the 6th province of the Dominion of Canada. They accepted the offer because the CPR was able to be built in time. -
Dominion Act
This act gave settlers a lot of land (65 acres). All tehy ahd to do was pay a $10 registration fee and work and live on the land for three years. If someone left, the entire family would forfeit the land and registration. Settlement in the prairies made construction of the CPR easier. -
Clifford Sifton
Clifford Sifton was the federal minister of immigration. He was responsible for attracting settlers. He did this through false advertising. He would interview and hire beautiful men/women and make them hand out brochures in the other countries. The offer was quite attractive. The settlers would get beautiful people and free land. Also, all religions were accepted the they were allowed to build churches. -
Prince Edward Island joins Confederation
PEI join the Dominion of Canada. They are the 7th province to join. They refused to join at first, but then gave in from the offer MacDonald gave them. He made a deal that if PEI joined the Dominion of Canada, he would take over any debts that the province had. -
Northwest Mounted Police
The Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) were created and formed. Their task was to keep peace, look over the CPR, stop whiskey trade and cease the Americans from attacking Canada. They were stationed in the prairies where there were not authorities before. -
Cypress Hills Massacre
This massacre took place in the Cypress Hill region and there was a lot of bloodshed. This incident angered many Canadians. Many people think that this event demonstrates the importance of police. -
Liberals win election
Conservatives lost due to the Pacific scandal. During this time, the PM Alexander Mackenzie invented a few new things. These included of the secret ballot and also a stated filed on how much was spent on the comapaign. -
Indian Act
This act stated that anyone with an Indian Status would be granted reserves. Only full-blooded First Nations can have this status (no Metis). The people living in the reserves were wards of the stat (supported by government) and had no right to vote or drink alcohol. They could only vote if they gave up their Indian Status. Timber can be taken from the reserves by the government, so no money was given to the First Nations. -
MacDonald is back
MacDonald is back in pwoer and proposed the National Policy. This policy was about protective tariffs (raised tariffs on foreign goods and reduced tariffs onn imported raw materials), the transcontinetial railway and settlement in the West. -
Construction of CPR slowed
The construction fo the CPR slowed down when the Liverals were in power. They were running out of time. Before this time, the Montreal Company won the bidding and the CPR got a contract. -
Van Horne is given charge
William Van Horne is given charge for general issues (he is the general manager of the Montreal Company. These issues include of: hiring navvies, purchasing materials and making decisions). In 1888, Van Horne became the president of the CPR. -
Railway Relief Bill
This bill gave the CPR 22 million dollars for construction (materials, workers etc.) -
Metis petitioned for rights
The Metis attempted to petition to MacDonald for more rights. This was ignored. The Metis then called yp Louis Riel for more support because tehy were slwoly getting pushed towards Saskatchewan. -
Batoche is seized
Louis Riel and others seize the Protestant church, Batoche. Even though Riel was religious, this was acceptable because Riel was Catholic, not Protestant. At Batoche, another provisional government was set up, just like Upper Fort Garry. They had the support of native chiefs (Bigbear and Crowfoot). This concerned the settlers and warfare began. -
Last Spike
Donald Smith (president of the Montreal Company) was given the honour to drive the last spike into the CPR. This process completed the transcontinental railway. -
Riel is executed
Louis Riel is executed. He gets arrested for treason against the government and queen. During the trial, the jury and judges were all white. This was extremely bias. The lawyer wanted Riel to plead insanity, but he refused. Obviously, Riel was found guilty. The queen thought that two choices should be made (prison or death), but the PM thought that this would be a great oppourtunity to show not to disobey the government. After, there was a lot of protests from the French. -
Canada gets their own army
Canada now no longer depends on the British Army for support. They have their own army to defend and attack.
