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75,000 BCE
Arrival of Aboriginal People in North America
It is commonly believed that the First Nation people arrived in North America with the help of the Beringia Land Bridge that once connected Siberia and North America. This is an important event in the development of Canada, as the First Nation people had a great influence in the events that would follow their arrival. -
Jan 1, 1570
The Iroquois Confederacy
The Iroquois Confederacy was a group of five (at one time six) Aboriginal tribes including, the Mohawk, the Onondaga, the Cayuga, the Oneida and the Seneca. Together, this group of people established the "Great Law" which would later become the basis of the Canadian Constitution. -
The Journey of Samuel de Champlain
60 years after the journey of Jacques Cartier, French explorer Samuel Champlain set out on a mission to find territory to colonize. Soon, Champlain found the perfect spot and settled into what would be later known as the colony of New France. This was the beginning of the European development in North America. -
The Seven Years War
The Seven Years War was the beginning of the Fall of New France. As war erupted back in Europe, mainly between England and France, tension back in New France was reaching a limit. The British colonies wanted to drive the French out of North America. This was the beginning of the English taking over control of New France, which would later lead to many conflicts affecting economic and political development. -
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Part 1)
The battle of the Plains of Abraham lasted only a quick 15 minutes, however the consequences of this battle were harsh and long-lasting. With the English victorious, they now claimed Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI and the 13 American colonies. -
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Part 2)
This left France with only a sliver of land. This event is important when discussing the development of Canada as it becomes evident that Britain has great want for Canada, and will ultimately influence its political and economical systems. -
The Royal Proclamation (Part 1)
The Royal Proclamation was declared shortly after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The main goal of the Royal Proclamation was to assimilate the colonists of New France into English culture. They also limited the size of Quebec, and France lost control of all its territory in present-day US. -
The Royal Proclamation (Part 2)
This event is important when discussing the development of the Confederation of Canada, as it highlights the animosity and tension between the French and the English that lead to many changes and advancements in economical and political systems. -
The Quebec Act (Part 2)
In this act, Quebec's territory was expanded, French Catholics were allowed to practice law and work in government systems, French civil law was put in back in place for business and the seigniorial system was kept in tact. This event is important in the development of the Confederation of Canada as it had a great impact on the politics in Canada. The addition of allowing French citizens to practice law was a step in the right direction when forming a more equal and representative government. -
The Quebec Act (Part 1)
When the Royal Proclamation of 1763 was put into play, it angered many French citizens of New France. Since the population of French citizens was much higher than English citizens, Britain decided it was better to have the French on their side rather than risk them siding with the Americans in the case of a rebellion. Therefore, they established the Quebec Act in 1774 to appease the French citizens in New France. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was instituted in 1783, after the revolutionary war between the Americans and Great Britain. This treaty separated America from Canada, granting Americans their independence. This event is important to the Confederation of Canada, as it changed the territorial development of what would be known as Canada. Furthermore, when the Americans freed themselves of English law, it planted the seed in other Canadian colonists wishing to rid themselves of the English government. -
The Constitutional Act (Part 1)
The Constitutional Act was implemented in 1791. This Act was one of the first major steps towards the Confederation of Canada. In this Act, Canada was divided into two separate colonies; Lower Canada and Upper Canada. Each colony was given a separate provincial legislature that would aim to provide fair and equal rights to citizens in either colony. -
The Constitutional Act (Part 2)
However, this constitution had several flaws, including the equal number of representatives for each colony even though Lower Canada had much higher population. This flaw would later lead to the multiple rebellions against the government. -
The War of 1812 (Part 1)
In the war of 1812, America tried to take over Canada. Back in Europe, England was interfering with the US trade ships that were set to arrive in Europe. Furthermore, England was trying to create an area of separation between America and the west by granting land to the First Nations people. This angered the Americans, and they called war against the British. -
The War of 1812 (Part 2)
However, this war is important step in the development of the Canadian Confederation, as it is here when the Anti-Americanism begins in the Canada as a result of many loyalist immigrants, as well as the continuation of the idea that only the "elites" should control the Canadian colonies. This two very different perspectives would soon create much conflict and tension in Canada. -
The Durham Report (Part 1)
With the Rebellions happening in Upper and Lower Canada, Britain appointed Governor Lord Durham to offer his guidance for the ongoing problems. He had two major solutions for the people in Canada. -
The Durham Report (Part 2)
His first proposed solution was to establish a responsible government, and his second solution was to unify Upper and Lower Canada's legislature. This is a crucial step towards the Confederation of Canada, as it is the beginning of unifying Canada as one province and developing a democratic government system. -
The Act of the Union
Only two short years following the Durham Report, the Act of the Union was implemented. In this Act, the government officials abolished the legislature of Upper and Lower Canada and created the Province of Canada. Upper Canada became known as Canada West, and Lower Canada became known as Canada East. This was a critical step in moving towards the Confederation as it was steered Canada towards a unified democratic country. -
The Charlottetown Conference (Part 1)
The Charlotte Town Conference of 1864 was intended to invite delegates to discuss the Maritimes interest; however the idea of a union of British North American colonies soon became the main topic of conversation. At this conference delegates created a proposal that would later be discussed at the Quebec Conference. -
The Charlottetown Conference (Part 2)
In this statement, they proposed the foundation of a new country that preserved its ties with Great Britain; had a bicameral system which included a Lower House with representation by population, and an Upper House with representation based on regional equality; had a responsible government at federal and provincial level; and was appointed a governor general by the British crown. -
The Quebec Conference (Part 1)
The Quebec Conference was one of the last steps before the official Confederation of Canada was formed. At this conference, the delegates discussed the proposal from the Charlottetown Conference, while also adding new details. -
The Quebec Conference (Part 2)
The officials at this Conference decided that power should be divided between central Parliament and provincial legislatures which would create a federal union, ultimately protecting the rights the minority population. Secondly, they added that Provinces would have control over education, language and other municipalities; however the National government would have control over currency, international trade and criminal law. -
The Quebec Conference (Part 3)
In some cases the Provincial and Federal government would share control over aspects including immigration and taxes. The delegates also decided that Parliament would have 2 houses; the Elected House of Commons and the Appointed Legislative Council. In addition to these main points, the delegates ended with 72 resolutions that would form the basis of Canada's constitution. -
The London Conference
The London Conference was the last stop before the implementation of the Confederation of Canada. After several meetings, the officials concluded that the British North American Act would create the Dominion of Canada. This Act became a law on July 1st, 1867. Presently, we continue to celebrate Canada's independence on July 1st.