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Period: to
1750-2000
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Notable Events - First Wage Fixing
In Halifax a decree was made that enforced a minimum wage of at least 18 pence a day as well as provisions to survive on. This is the first proper enforcement of a minimum wage which still holds to the present day. This represents historical significance because this marked the very beginnings of modern-day employment. Today, we have a standardized minimum wage for all employment. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timelines/economy-and-labour/ -
Provincial Notes - First Printing Press in Canada
Established by Bartholomew Green in Halifax, this printing press marks the first steps of Canada beginning to establish businesses and more complicated facilities. https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/women/030001-1203-e.html -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Birth of John Graves Simcoe
John Simcoe was Canada's first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, also serving as a military officer. -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - First Canadian Newspaper - Halifax Gazette
The Halifax Gazette was Canada's very first newspaper. This was the first print, created by John Bushell. He would also publish Canada's first book on December 6. The pamphlet was eight pages, made for the government. This represented historical perspectives, the way newspapers were written and the width/breadth of topics they covered could have been very different from what is done in today's media. -
Wars and Battles - Battle on the Plains of Abraham
This was an extremely important part of the Seven Years War. The British led by General James Wolfe defeated a French force led by Marquis de Montcalm. Both generals were killed in action. Cause and consequence was represented here. This led to the surrender of New France five days later, cementing the English's hold on Canada. This would be a pivotal moment in deciding the dominant force in Canada and how it's society would grow into the present day. -
Wars and Battles - Battle of the Thousand Islands
Taking place from Aug. 16-25, this marked the final major engagement between the French and English in the Seven Years War in Canada. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Thousand_Islands -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - Treaty of Paris
This document ends the Seven Years War. France gave up much of their holdings in North America except for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. In exchange, Britian agreed to maintain Roman Catholicism in Canada. -
Governors and Prime Ministers - James Murray Becomes Governor of Quebec
James Murray is appointed Governor of Quebec. He did an excellent job in avoiding antagonizing the newly conquered French by permitting their culture as much as possible. This kept Quebec from becoming too rebellious or dissatisfied. However, his allowances for French customs and courts led to his recall in April of 1766. He will be succeeded by Guy Carleton. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Murray_(British_Army_officer,_born_1721)#Governor_of_Quebec -
Provincial Notes - Quebec Establishes Civil Courts
Civil courts are created in Quebec, finally ending the military ruling system in the province. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timelines/the-law/ -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - Quebec Act Takes Effect
The Quebec Act protected French culture in Canada. It permitted religious freedom and preserved French civil law. It would later be replaced by the the Constitutional Act in 1791. This represents the ethical dimension as it helped French Canadians claim their place in Canada and protect their culture + rights. http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/quebec-act-1774.html -
Wars and Battles - American Invasion of Canada
Exact day unknown, only known that it started June 1775. During the American Revolution, the Americans pushed to invade Canada. Rebel forces moved to occupy Montreal and attack Quebec. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/american-revolution/ -
Colonies and Settlements - Arrival of British Loyalists
Approximately 40,000 British loyalists arrive in Halifax. They would later form New Brunswick and Upper Canada. -
Exploration and Discovery - Cook's Third and Final Voyage
Captain James Cook departed on his final voyage in search of the Northwest Passage. The expedition ultimately failed, leading to the deaths of both Cook and his second, Charles Clerke. The expedition discovered the Hawaiian Archipelago. -
Wars and Battles - Surrender at Yorkton
General Cornwallis was forced to surrender by General George Washington commanding an army of 16,000 American and French troops. This battle marked the end of major armed hostilities for the American Revolution. General Cornwallis brought only 8,000 soldiers, expecting additional British ships to arrive with reinforcements which failed to arrive in time due to French ship interference. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/revolut/jb_revolut_yorktown_1.html -
Documents Acts and Treaties - The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris (1783) marked the end of the American Revolution and allowed the independence of the American colonies. Life became difficult for British Loyalists in the U.S due to losses of property and discrimination. As a result, they began to immigrate to Canada. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/treaty-of-paris-1783/ -
Provincial Notes - First Newspaper in New Brunswick
Royal Saint John Gazette and Nova Scotian Intelligencer are both published, making them the first newspapers in New Brunswick. The newspapers were established by William Lewis and John Ryan. This represented evidence as newspapers are an excellent way to discover the opinions of the media in that point of time. http://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/newspapers-1879.php -
Notable Events - Trial by Jury Introduced
Trial by jury is initially introduced at this date. This concept still remains into the present day, available for any citizen who faces a crime that has five or more years of imprisonment. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jury/ -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - Constitutional Act
Passing through British Parliament, the province of Quebec was divided into Upper and Lower Canada. The Ottowa River was designated as the border. Lower Canada had 225,000 inhabitants while Upper Canada only had 46,000. This represented continuity and change as this later would end with both Upper and Lower Canada forming into a single country under the Constitution. https://slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=constitutional_act_1791 -
Governors and Prime Minisiters - John Simcoe Arrives in Canada
Mentioned in 1752, John Simcoe arrives in Canada as appointed to become governor-in-chief for both Upper and Lower Canada. Extremely ambitious, he attempted a grand plan to revolutionize Canada into Britian's likeness. This failed due to the unrealistically high expectations the plan called for. http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/simcoe_john_graves_5E.html -
Notable Events - William Lyon Mackenzie's Birth
A journalist and politician, Mackenzie was born in Dundee, Scotland. He led a failed rebellion in 1837. He led the 'Reform Movement' which demanded a responsible government and fought against the colonial regime in Upper Canada. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mackenzie-william-lyon/ -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Birth of William Lyon Mackenzie King
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Provincial Notes - York Becomes Capital
York becomes capital of Upper Canada; York is what Toronto is today. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/upper-canada/ -
Provincial Notes - First Smallpox Vaccinations
The first smallpox vaccinations were performed by Dr. John Clinch. This would go on to help stall the epidemics that rampaged across Canada in the 17th century. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/8160 -
Wars and Battles - Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
A major event that increased tensions between Britain and the U.S. further. The HMS Leopard (British) boarded the USS Chesapeake to force British crewmen to join the British Navy. One crewman was forced into service this way. -
Exploration and Discovery - Simon Fraser Reaches the Pacific
Fraser found a route to the Pacific by using a river that was later named the Fraser River. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/3898 -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - Labrador Act
This act was why in the present day the province is referred to as Newfoundland and Labrador; this act joined the two together. This represented historical significance because this is why the province is referred to as Newfoundland and Labrador in the present day.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/3895 -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Appointment of Major-General Brock
Major General Brock was appointed to defend Canada against American forces. When the War of 1812 started, Brock successfully led his forces to stop American troops from invading the country. This represented historical significance; if the Americans has successfully taken Canada from Britain, the country could be dramatically changed from what it is now. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Brock -
Wars and Battles - Battle of New Orleans
Known for having multiple renditions of the same song about it, the Battle for New Orleans left a noticable mark on history. It was the last major battle of the War of 1812. In the end, all land was returned so borders were unchanged from the gains and losses of the war. http://www.eighteentwelve.ca/?q=eng/Topic/59 -
Wars and Battles - War of 1812 Declared
On this date was the declaration of war on Britain by the U.S. This would lead to the razing of both capitals, York and Washington. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/war-of-1812/ -
Wars and Battles - Attack on Upper Canada
American forces led an attack on what would be Windsor (knokwn as Sandwich at the time). They would be repelled across the Detroit river. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/7810 -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Birth of Sir Alexander Campbell
Another Father of Confederation, Campbell attended the Charlottetown and Quebec conferences. Campbell was not a major political leader, but performed well in a subordinate role. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-alexander-campbell/ -
Notable Events - Cornerstone of Notre Dame Laid
The Notre Dame is the oldest surviving Gothic Revival Church structure survivng into the present day. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/3998 -
Provincial Notes - Canada's First Medical School Starts Classes
The Montreal Medical Institution was the very first medical school in Canada, starting with a class of 25 students. It would later become the medical part of McGill University. This represented continuity and change. The beginnings of access to proper medical education was a sign of Canada's progress in terms of knowledge and technology. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/8179 -
Notable Events - Birth of Sir Sandford Fleming
Fleming was a Canadian engineer that helped standardize time zones, introduced postal stamps and was responsible for engineering two railways. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandford_Fleming -
Provincial Notes - Quebec and Montreal Marked Cities
Quebec and Montreal are now considered cities. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4055 -
Exploration and Discovery - Location of North Magnetic Pole Discovered
Located by Sir James Clark Ross, the Magnetic North Pole was claimed in the name of King William IV. This was historically significant; this marked a major discovery for explorers and navigators as the Magnetic North Pole is not the same as the actual North Pole. This aided in the orientation of compasses and various other navigation equipment.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4121 -
Documents Acts and Treaties - Royal Assent of Slavery Abolition Act
With this act, slavery was abolished in British colonies. Slavery was generally less in demand than it was in the U.S, where the plantations demanded additional manual labour. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/slavery/ -
Wars and Battles - Rebellion of 1837
The Patriotes attack a Montreal calvalry unit, kicking off the Lower Canada Rebellion. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4119 -
Acts, Documents and Treaties - Act of Union Comes into Effect
This Act of Union combined both Lower and Upper Canada into a single province. It was governed by eighty-four legislative members, fourty-two members for Canada East and Canada West. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4088 -
Documents, Acts and Treaties - Establishment of Public Schools
An act was put into effect that established public schools. This concept would continue to the present day (which led to the creation of this project in the long run). http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4069 -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Birth of Wilfrid Laurier
Sir Wilfred Laurier was Canada's Prime Minster from 1896 to 1911. He would oversee the joining of both Alberta and Saskatchewan into the Confederation. Laurier attempted to help mend relations between the English and French Canadians while pushing to develop the country further. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-wilfrid-laurier/ -
Notable Events - Birth of Louis Riel
Responsible for both the Northwest and Red River Rebellions, Louis Riel fought to protect Metis rights from the Canadian government. He would later be executed under John A. Macdonald's term in government. Louis Riel was an extremely historically significant and iconic figure in Canadian history due to leading two rebellions in his fight for Metis independence from the British's push across Canada. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/louis-riel/ -
Notable Events - First Canadian Stamps
The first stamps created in Canada were the Twelve-Pence Black, a Three-Pence Beaver and a Six-Pence Prince Consort. While somewhat falling out of popularity in the present day due to technology, stamps are still used regularly. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4051 -
Exploration, Discovery - Launching of the Marco Polo
The Marco Polo was a Canadian clipper that would be recorded as the fastest ship in it's day. It still holds significance today as a Canadian icon.It's record setting run ran from Liverpool to Australia. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4052 -
Governors and Prime Ministers - Birth of Sir Robert Borden
Sir Robert Borden served as prime minister from 1911 to 1920. He led Canada through WWI, fighting for autonomy from British directives. Borden is depicted on our hundred dollar bill and was also responsible for the introduction of Income Tax which persists to this day. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-robert-borden/ -
Provincial Notes - Capital Moved to Ottowa
Under Queen Victoria's orders, Ottowa was selected to become Canada's capital city. This was officially set on September 24, 1859. This represents continuity and change - the change to Ottowa may have been for various reasons, one among them was to safeguard against Canada's capital coming under attack against like how York was razed by the Americans.
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4182 -
Governors and Prime Mininsters - Birth of Julian Byng
Sir Byng is a famous figure on World War II, commanding Canadian forces on the attack on the iconic Vimy Ridge. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/julian-byng-1st-viscount-byng-of-vimy/ -
Acts, Documents and Treaties - British North America Act
The BNA act was what turned Canada into a full-fledged country, though full autonomy from Britain would take some time. The four intial provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. An event of extreme historical significance, the BNA was when Canada became a country instead of a simple collection of provinces under British rule. http://www.canadahistoryproject.ca/1867/1867-12-bna-act.html -
Notable Events - Dominion of Canada Comes into Existence
Canada as a Dominion is created, it was made of Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. -
Governors and Prime Ministers - John A. Macdonald Becomes PM
One of the leading Fathers of Confederation, John A. Macdonald was Canada's first Prime Minister. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-john-alexander-macdonald/ -
Acts, Documents and Treaties - Manitoba Act
The Manitoba Act recieved royal assent, Manitoba becoming the fifth province of Canada. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4232 -
Provincial Notes - B.C. Joins Confederation
Following Manitoba, British Columbia becomes the sixth province of Canada. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4232 -
Notable Events - Birth of John McCrae
Most well known for writing the poem 'In Flanders Fields' during WWI, His poem symbolized the losses and sacrifice of soldiers in WWI, and is recited during Rememberance Day. 'In Flanders Fields' provided insight and a symbol into what soldiers in WWI suffered and endured as they fought in the brutal conditions of trench warfare.
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/first-world-war/mccrae -
Notable Events - Supreme Court Created
By act in Canadian Parliament caused the formation of the Supreme Court. Their first sitting would take place January 17, 1876. http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/events/4354 -
Wars & Battles - Métis North-West Rebellion.
Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont lead the Métis North-West Rebellion and eventually lost against the Canadian -
Notable Events - Louis Riel hanged in Regina.
Of the Big Six, this represents the Ethical Dimension. The reason why is because Louis Riel's hanging combined with John A. Macdonald's reaction "He shall die though every dog in Quebec bark in his favour." had a very large impact on French-English relations in Canada, even till this day. -
Provincial Notes - The first provincial Premiers' conference takes place in Québec.
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Governors & Prime Ministers - Wilfrid Laurier is appointed as the Liberal Party's leader.
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Governors & Prime Ministers - John A. Macdonald dies.
John A. Macdonald dies of a stroke in Office after serving 19 years as Prime Minister. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - Wilfrid Laurier is elected as Prime Minister.
Wilfred Laurier is the first French Canadian Prime Minister. -
Notable Events - Gold is discovered in the Klondike.
This discovery prompted the gold rush and over 100,000 people came as fast as they could. -
Provincial Notes Yukon is separated from North West Territories.
After the Klondike Gold Rush, Yukon separates from the North West Territories. -
Document Acts & Treaties - Treaty 8 signed.
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Wars & Battles - The Boer War begins
The Boer War was the first over-seas war that Canada is involved in. I think the Boer War fits well within the Historical Significance of the big six as it paved the way for the Canadian military to obtain the reputation it has today. -
Document Acts & Treaties - Treaty 9 signed.
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Provincial Notes - Alberta and Saskatchewan join confederation and become Provinces.
Of the Big Six this would represent Historical Significance. The reason why is because the joining of both provinces to Canadian confederation still to this day has a large impact on all residents of Canada as Saskatchewan provides majority of the country with Agriculture foods/supplies and Alberta has one of Canada's largest industries: Oil. -
Exploration Discovery - The first ship sails through the North West Passage.
Roald Amundsen and crew sail the Gjoa through the North West Passage. -
Notable Events - The first manned flight in the British Empire takes place.
This flight flown by John A. marks the start of the Aviation Industry of Canada. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - Robert Borden becomes Prime Minister.
Borden was the first Prime Minister to challenge Britain for Canada's sovereignty. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - The Liberals, led by Mackenzie King win federal election.
He has become known as the longest serving leader in all of the British Empire. -
Exploration Discovery - Vilhjalmur Stefansson explores the Arctic via ice floes.
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Notable Event - The worst collision in the Maritimes of Canada.
The ship Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian ship Storstad. There were over 1,400 passengers in the Empress of Ireland and over 1,000 died. -
Wars & Battles - Britain declares war on Germany.
As a result of still being one of Britain's colonies, Canada is dragged into the war. This causes Canada to send 25,000 troops overseas almost immediately. -
Notable Events - All Women over 21 are allowed to vote (excluding Newfoundland, PEI, and Quebec).
Because of women's prominent presence in the war and them having to work to support the war effort, the government was forced to allow women to vote in elections. This would fit in Historical Perspective as before the 1910s, women were still viewed as caretakers and powerless on their own. Now that women filled the shoes of the men as Canada's work force, it proved that women were a force to be reckoned with. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - William L. M. King leads Liberals into winning election.
Mackenzie King later became known as the longest serving leader in all of the British Empire. -
Documents Acts & Treaties - The Halibut Treaty is signed.
The Halibut Treaty largest importance was that it was the first time that Canada had made negotiations without Britain. -
Notable Events - First time Women are in the Olympics.
Seven Canadian Women perform in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. One won a silver medal and another won a bronze. -
Notable Events - The Great Depression begins.
The North American Stock Market crashes and thus causes the Great Depression. The Big Six that this would be relatable to would be Cause and Consequence. The First World War caused the Great Depression because the important countries in World War I were not prepared for how their economies were now structured. (As an example, this would include an over production of food in Canada which caused the harvests that followed the few years after yielding next to nothing.) -
Governors & Prime Ministers - The Governor General becomes a representative of the British Crown.
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Provincial Notes - Maurice Duplessis becomes Premier of Quebec.
Maurice Duplessis was known as a controversial leader of Quebec. -
Notable Events - Canada's longest and hottest heat wave.
For the next 12 days after, Canada is blasted by blazing hot heat reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius. Over 780 Canadians died from it. -
Wars & Battles - Canada declares war on Germany.
This kicks off Canada's participation in World War II. The way this relates to the Big Six would be Cause and Effect. After World War I as part of surrendering, the world powers at the time ruined Germany's economy by making it pay back reparations to help replace all the funds the allies spent on the War. This made Germany's economy tank and in turn the Germans needed something to lead them out of their predicament and that something turned out to be Hitler. -
Provincial Notes - Women all throughout Quebec can vote in elections.
Quebec is the last province to allow women to vote in federal and provincial elections. -
Wars & Battles - Canadians begin their assault upon Sicily.
During World War II the main fights that Canadians participated in were in either Sicily or Italy. -
Notable Events - The End of World War II.
World War II ends after the United States of America drops two nukes in Japan. This event is relatable to the Big Six: Cause and Effect as for the first time the Americans were attacked on their own land at Pearl Harbour by the Japanese. This caused the Pacific War which resulted in approximately 36 million deaths. The Americans decided that the best way to stop more blood shed was to drop the Atomic bombs. -
Notable Events - Canada joins NATO.
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Provincial Notes - Newfoundland joins confederation.
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Wars & Battles - Korean War starts.
Canada amasses 8500 troops by spring of 1951, ready for battle. -
Colonies & Settlements - Princess Elizabeth was crowned as Queen Elizabeth II.
After King George VI passed, Elizabeth was next in line to become royalty. The royal monarchy relates to the Big Six: Continuity and Change as the newer British monarchy has no power and is just a figure head, whereas previously the monarch had power over all. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - Vincent Massey becomes the first Canadian Governor General of Canada.
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Notable Events - First scheduled TV broadcast in Canada.
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Wars & Battles - Korean War ends.
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Provincial Notes - Liberals under Jean Lesage win Quebec's election.
This signalled the start of the Quiet Revolution which had hoped to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada. -
Documents Acts & Treaties - The Auto Pact.
Canadian and US governments signed the Auto Pact which removed tariffs on all automobiles and automobile parts traded between the countries. -
Notable Events - Canada's Flag is replaced with a new one.
This is relatable to Cause and Effect as Canadians did not have an offical flag of their own and wanted to be recognized as fully independant from the UK. Aswell as that, people throughout Quebec have never been happy with the British Empire and as a result Pierre Trudeau decided to change it to the current Maple Leaf flag. -
Colonies & Settlements - Canada's 100 year anniversary of Confederation.
Canada turns 100 years old and people party and cheer throughout the country. -
Notable Events - The breathalizer begins it's usage to test drunk drivers.
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Wars & Battles - October Crisis begins: FLQ attacks the Canadian Government.
British trade commissioner James Cross is kidnapped and found alive. Later in the month, Pierre Laporte, a cabinet minister's body was found, strangled to death in a trunk of a car. The Big Six: Cause and Effect is relatable to this scenario as the FLQ was a result of tensions rising between both Quebecers and other Canadians. -
Notable Events - The War Measures Act is put into effect.
This results in over 500 Canadians being arrested. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - Pierre Trudeau and Liberals win majority in election.
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Provincial Notes - René Lévesque leads Parti Québécois as they win election.
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Notable Events - The biggest recession since the Great Depression.
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Notable Events -Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope.
Terry Fox's run begins but ends a short 5 months later after his cancer comes back. -
Notable Events - "O Canada" is officially Canada's national anthem.
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Governors & Prime Ministers - Jeanne Sauvé is appointed as the first female Governor General of Canada
Jeanne Sauvé was also the first female Speaker in the House of Commons and the first female MP from Quebec to be appointed as cabinet minister. -
Provincial Notes - Lincoln MacCauley Alexander became the first black Lieutenant Governor.
Later in his life Lincoln also became the first black person in Canadian Parliment. This is related to the Big Six as it has some historical significance as it's an important event for Canadian Parliment as it has never occured before and may be inspirational to others. -
Document Acts & Treaties - Charlottetown Accord created
The Charlottetown Accord was created to attempt to make Quebec a distinct Society from the rest of Canada. -
Notable Events - Winter Olympics open in Calgary
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Document Acts & Treaties - Oka Crisis begins
The Oka Crisis was a 78 day long standoff between a group of Mohawk people and the local police force of Oka over a land dispute that resulted in two deaths. This relates directly to the Big Six with Historical Significance because the land has deep, historical ties with the occupying Mohawk Clan. -
Notable Events - Meech Lake Accord Rejected
After submission, the Meech Lake Accord which had hoped to make Quebec approve of the Canadian Chartier of Rights and Freedoms was rejected. -
Governors & Prime Ministers - First female Canadian Prime Minister
Kim Campbell becomes the new conservative leader after Brian Mulroney retires. -
Provincial Notes - Referendum for Quebec's sovereignty
Quebec's referendum for sovereignty failed, 50.58% of the voters voted No.
