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The Boer War 1899-1902
Issues:
• It was a British war that did not directly concern Canada Laurier's Compromise
• Canada wouldn’t send an official army but would equip and transport volunteers (Canada sent 7300 volunteers and spent $2.8 million) Imperialist View:
• Canadian military support would show the British Empire stood together in times of trouble Nationalist View:
• It was none of our business. The French didn't want to support a British war Result:
• Canada began to exert control over its foreign affairs -
Alaskan Boundary Dispute
Issues
• Due to the profitable Alaskan Gold Rush, Canada and the U.S. disputed the Alaskan border and who could charge customs taxes
• Out of an an international court of 6 judges, Lord Alverstone the only British judge ruled against Canada (Canada lost 4 – 2) Imperialist and Nationalist Views:
• All Canadians were outraged
• They felt bullied by the Americans and that Britain had betrayed them to gain American support -
The Naval Crisis
Issues:
• Britain wanted Canada to contribute money to build more ships for the British Navy
Laurier’s Compromise
• Naval Services Bill - Canada would build its own navy under Canadian control
• Canada could place the navy under British control in emergencies
Imperialist View:
• Canada should send money to the British and not build our own tin pot navy
Nationalist View:
• Didn't want to contribute funds to finance British wars or send ships to fight its wars
Result:
Canada had its own navy -
The Reciprocity Issue
Issue:
• Free trade between the U.S. and Canada Laurier’s Compromise
• He tried to pass a reciprocity agreement Imperialist Views:
• Warned it would lead to an economic and political takeover of Canada –stick with Britain! Nationalist Views:
• Thought that Canadian resources should stay in Canada Result:
• Laurier lost the 1911 federal election to Sir Robert Borden’s Conservatives
