-
The Conquest (Battle on the Plains of Abraham)
This event was a key British victory during the Seven Years' War, which lead to the French surrendering Quebec. In 1763 this lead to the surrender of Canada. This is important to Canadian history as it shapes Canada as it is today, a combination of French and English heritage, creating various perspectives on Canada's origin and primary language. -
Red River Rebellion
After the Canadian purchase of Rupert's Land, without consultation of the Metis, there was an uprising. Led by Louis Riel, he created a provisional government, and after negotiations it created the province of Manitoba. Riel also executed Thomas Scott, who was against Riel's government. In terms of identity, this led to great tension between Metis, including First Nations, and the Canadian government. The negligence of the government, beginning here, continued for a great period of time. -
The Indian Act
The Indian Act was an act by the Canadian Parliament, restricting the rights of Aboriginal peoples within Canada. And was later amended to make residential schooling compulsory. The primary objective was to eradicate Aboriginal culture throughout Canada. This shaped Canadian identity by creating an animosity towards the Canadian government and generations of pain within the Aboriginal community. It also contributes to many Aboriginal peoples not identifying themselves as being Canadian. -
North-West Rebellion
Canada, with the plan of a railroad west, needed land, which was however occupied by Metis and First Nations. After hunting the bison to nearly extinction, the Metis and First Nations retaliated. After a brutal rebellion, Canada manages to seize their land. Louis Riel was also executed. This is an important event as it, again, expresses the marginalization of Indigenous peoples of Canada. Additionally, the execution of Riel also impacted Francophones, and showcased the dissent of the government. -
Conscription crisis of World War One
This event was where the Canadian government conscripted young men in Canada for the First World War overseas. This caused great outrage and uprising in Canada, especially among French-Canadians who did not see it fit to fight the wars of Britain. This is an imperative event to Canadian identity because it creates a distinct separation between French-Canadians and Anglo-Canadians in Canada, and marks the beginning of an era of coexistence between the two. -
Statute of Westminster
This event was where Canada gained power over all of its foreign affairs,over Britain. It also granted Canada full legal freedom, but if certain areas wished to remain as part of Britain, they could do so. A potential reason for this agreement could be the efforts of Canada in World War One, which created a sense of nationalism within. Additionally, Canada had already disregarded British authority multiple times, expressing their desire for autonomy. -
The Flag
Canada adopts a new flag, replacing the old Red Ensign. This marked Canada's complete separation from the British and their reign. Ordered by Prime Minister Lester Pearson, this flag represented a new era of Canada, without the British rule. He gathered many flag designs before the selection was made to use the well known red and white flag. This is a critical aspect of Canadian history because it represents the idea the birth of a new nation, through the symbol of the national flag. -
FLQ Crisis, also known as October Crisis
The Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) in Quebec, kidnap Deputy Premier Pierre Laporte, and British diplomat James Cross. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act, limiting several civilian rights. Laporte was found dead and Cross was freed. This contributes to Canadian identity as this event led to the end of violent Quebec nationalism, throughout Canada. Another perspective developed by this is that it created a general tension between Quebec separatists and the government. -
Bill 101 passed in Quebec
Bill 101 made French the official language of Quebec, to be used in the provincial government and across the province, on street signs and such. This was vital, as French was the first language of the majority of Quebec, and the recognition of this helped strengthen the sense of Quebec being part of Canada, and gave them the chance to live alongside the rest of English-speaking Canada. Contrarily, this could also develop the perspective of a bigger divide between Quebec and the rest of Canada. -
The National Energy Program is implemented
The Canadian federal government attempted to take control of the Canadian oil industry in order to evenly distribute oil throughout the nation. Led by Pierre Trudeau and his government. This creates new perspectives on what it means to be Canadian by generating a newfound perspective of the people of Alberta towards the Liberal party, creating a divide between Alberta and the rest of Canada. Albertans, essentially, were faced with a conflict between loyalty to their region or their nation. -
1995 Quebec Referendum
The second Quebec referendum, Quebec narrowly remained a part of Canada, the "no" side receiving 50.6% of the vote. This was following great discontent with their place in Canada. Afterwards, Prime Minster Jean Chretien created a special Cabinet to work towards Quebec's concerns. This is important in terms of perspectives of Canadian citizens, it showcases a significant portion of Quebec being unhappy about their condition within Canada. This also sent a message of realization to the government. -
Canada's Apology for Residential Schools
Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized to all students/survivors of the Indian Residential Schools for the inhumane acts which were conducted. This event is vital to the relationship between Indigenous people and the Canadian government, as this shows that the government is remorseful for their actions, and is taking steps towards reconciliation. Combined, this portrays the multicultural aspect of Canada, where all, including Indigenous people, are accept for who they are.
