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1497
European exploration
John Cabot arrives in Newfoundland. During this time, the majority of Europeans were Catholics and stayed away as much as possible from meat for religious reasons. During these days, fish then becomes a very popular source of protein. The Europeans took control quickly of the waters on the Eastern Coast. During the 16th century, boats came from France, Spain and England. -
1500
The Barter System
The Barter System was used by the Native People. It was based on trading goods. The Amerindians only traded for what they needed and not more because the goods were transported far. -
1502
The Fisheries
The Europeans used two cod-preserving techniques: Dried fish and Green fish. The dried fish was dried by the sun and wind. The Green fish was preserved in salt. The fishers had to set up camps along the shore in order to prepare the fish. This caused the first interactions with the Amerindians. European objects like metal tools, beads, mirrors and textiles were introduced to the Amerindians. They began to circulate them on their trade markets in exchange for furs, which the Europeans valued. -
Slash and Burn agriculture
The vegetation on a piece of land was cut down then burnt. The land was then ready to be cultivated because in burning the vegetation, the nutrients needed for farming went into the ground. -
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is the accumulation of a country's wealth. It is achieved by colonizing a territory rich in resources. The mother country gets them in the colony then sends them back to their country to be made into products. They are then sold back to the colony, making a profit for the mother country. To increase a demand for these products, production within the colony was restricted. -
Company of 100 associates
This company consisted of one hundred shareholders who invested to start the company. Each shareholder got a share of the profits from the fur trade. The company was required to populate and manage the colony. The company struggled because England sunk one of their ships because they were at war with the French. They never fully recovered after this. -
Triangular Trade
Canada traded its resources with the French colonies because of mercantilism. They traded with the Antilles and France, their mother country. -
King Louis XIV Reign
He began his reign in 1661. In 1663, he dissolved the Company of 100 Associates and replaced them with crown corporations so he could gain control of economic activities and assert territorial claims. This system ended in 1674. -
Hudson Bay Company
In 1659, Radisson and Groseillier, 2 Coureurs des Bois, went to Hudson Bay to trade with Aboriginals that they knew. They returned with information and high-quality furs. They turned to the King of France but he did not want to finance a commercial expedition to Hudson Bay, so they went to the British King and offered their services, he then said yes and funded their expedition in 1668. This is how the Hudson's Bay Company was created in 1670. -
Northwest Company
At the beginning of the British Regime, fur trade fell into possession of the British. In 1783, the North West Company is created to compete in the competitive trade. In 1821, this company merges with the Hudson's Bay Company. At the beginning of the 19th century, there was a decline in the fur trade. -
Free Trade
Free Trade is an economic system in which customs and duties on trading are partially or entirely abolished between participating countries. The abolition of protectionism drove the colonies to diversify their markets and find new trading partners. British North America now needs to find new markets. They shift to the United States -
Reciprocity Treaty
The Treaty of Reciprocity removes all customs and duties between the US and British North America. This provides access to a large market. According to this treaty, raw materials or primarily manufactured products could be traded between the countries without customs or duties. -
First Phase of Industrialisation
Quebec experienced a change from the old style cottage industry to factory production. A need for cheap, unskilled labour to mass produce goods quickly for a low cost developed. People moving from rural areas and European immigrants provided plenty of cheap labour. The first industries were powered by coal and steam engines. It was very low technology. This new policy provided and enlarged internal market and the National Policy protected industries from foreign competition. -
Economic Crisis
The Canadian Market was flooded with products from the US and many Canadian manufacturers were unable to compete with the American market. -
Urbanization
Neighbourhoods of the working class, were created near factories. Living conditions were bad. Most homes were made of wood and did not have running water, electricity or toilets. New areas were colonized because of the overpopulation in the country part. Because of this rural exodus, suburbs are developed. -
National Policy
John A. MacDonald's National Policy had three main points. First, it aimed to increase the customs and duties, returning to a protectionist policy. Second, he wanted the railway, that would run from coast to coast, to be built. Last, he wanted people to immigrate towards Western Canada. Some obstacles with the railway included: labor shortage, uneven terrain and disputes with the FNP's. The railway was done in 1885. -
Manafacturers Act
This act consists of clauses which provided health protection and security of workers. It establishes a minimum age for factory work. -
Dairy Industry
Dairy production was the agricultural sector that experienced the greatest progress after 1880. Farmers produced milk, butter, cheese and cream. To support the growth in the dairy industry the government encouraged the establishment of specialized school in areas like St Denis. -
Second Phase of Industrialisation
The second phase was mainly characterized by the fast expansion of industrial sectors which had developed due to new energy sources: hydroelectricity and oil. It was now developing higher technology. In order for Canadian companies to compete with American and British companies, they had to lower their production costs by establishing themselves close to energy sources. The railway also limited production costs. -
Exploitation of new ressources
During the second phase of industrialization, hydroelectricity became the new source of energy, the pulp and paper industry grew because of the increasing American demand. -
Electricity
In the cities, electric powered cars were developed. Urban transportation becomes more accessible, while costs decreased. This means people no longer need to live near their workplace. -
Workers demand
Unions are developed to demand better working and living conditions for the workers. -
Great Depression and Stock Market Crash
The cause of the depression and stock market crash was many different things. First, there was an overproduction of products. This caused a decrease in prices, so investors lost their confidence. The stock values declined as well, causing the companies to stop making profits. A production decrease caused layoffs on workers resulting in a weak consumer purchase. The effects of the stock market crash were felt for almost a decade. -
The Quiet Revolution
The Quiet Revolution caused political, social, cultural and economic changes. Along with this revolution, Quebec became a welfare state. The government puts funds into the economy and enhanced the purchasing power of consumers, while also creating jobs. -
Free Trade part 2
In 1994, Mexico was added to the CUSFTA agreement that was renamed NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
