-
The early exploration of the Americas began with Leif Erikson and the Vikings. Leif Erikson was the first recorded European to discover the lands of the Americas (nearly five hundred years prior to Christopher Columbus). However, true interest in exploring the Northwest Passage and the New World, was only sparked after the successful expeditions of both John Cabot and Jacques Cartier.
-
John Cabot, an Italian explorer, travelled to what is now, Canada, under the authorization of King Henry VII of England. Cabot’s goal was to find a north-western sailing route (Northwest Passage) to reach Asia. At this time, the spice trade in Asia was thriving. His journey however, led him to Newfoundland’s coast. There, Cabot discovered evidence of occupancy but, no people. He also discovered fish off the Great Banks. This discovery initiated the immigration of European fishermen to Canada.
-
Jacques Carter, a French Navigator, led three successful expeditions to Canada throughout 1534 and 1542. Jacques Cartier was the first navigator to accurately map parts of what is now, Canada. Cartier’s three expeditions led to the development of New France. In result, the immigration of French people, to the new world.
-
The high demand for beaver furs in Europe was provoked by the popularization of felt beaver hats. The high demand for furs is ultimately responsible for the commencement of the fur trade and the shaping of Canada. The fur trade’s peak lasted nearly 250 years. The popularity of the fur trade is responsible for the immigration of the first Europeans to present day Canada.
-
The Seven Years War was a global conflict that occurred throughout the years 1754 - 1763. In Canada, the war was fought between the British and the French, with the goal of obtaining the lands and authority over New France. The Seven Years War was the first war that was fought at sea and on land, on a global scale. Events surrounding the Seven Years War are responsible for the development of Canada.
-
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place during the conflict between the French and the British that is recognized as, The Seven Years War. The British successfully defeated the French and their strategy to reclaim Quebec. This battle is recognized as a pivotal moment in the war because it led to the independence of Canada and the ultimate creation of Quebec.
-
The years 1775 – 1783, are dedicated to the American Revolutionary War. This revolution was the conflict that caused nearly forty thousand Loyalists to flee the United States of America and travel to Canada. The Loyalists are a group of people who remain loyal to Britain and the crown, even if that meant being treated poorly by others of different ideologies. The fleeing of the Loyalists to Canada is to credit for the creation and population of Upper Canada and New Brunswick.
-
The Red River Valley Settlement was a Canadian colony founded by Thomas Douglas, fifth Earl of Selkirk. The settlement land was gifted to Douglas by the Hudson’s Bay Company, with the purpose of welcoming new Irish and Scottish settlers in Canada. In the coming years, the Red River Valley Settlement became home to a handful of French settlers. Eventually, due to the immigration of the French, Irish and Scottish, the settlement became part of Manitoba in 1870.
-
The Great Migration was a direct result of the industrial revolution. Many lost their jobs due to the increase of machines in factories. This caused a mass immigration of nearly eight hundred thousand, mainly British people, to Canada. Other cultural groups also immigrated to Canada but, among them, the British were the largest. During this time, to increase immigration, Canada promised all new immigrants cheap or free land. Canada hoped this promise would aid in the development of their nation.
-
The Underground Railroad was a multitude of routes and safe houses that were established for enslaved African Americans, to escape to Canada. During the years 1840 – 1860, Canada saw the immigration of nearly thirty thousand formerly enslaved, African Americans. Though Canada did not offer them complete protection from racism and oppression, many of the slaves were able to find freedom within Canada.
-
The Irish Potato Famine existed during the years 1845 – 1852, due to a potato disease known as potato blight, that had made its way through Europe. The famine in Ireland caused the immigration of nearly one-hundred and ten thousand Irish people. This famine led to the first mass immigration of non-French nor English peoples in Canada. The Irish were attracted to Canada because they were promised cheap or free agricultural land.
-
Gold Mountain, a term used mainly by the Chinese, describes the discovery of gold and potential wealth in San Francisco, California and British Colombia, Canada. In 1857, gold was discovered in Fraser Valley. This led to the immigration of thousands of Chinese temporary workers from San Francisco to Canada. The Chinese sought after employment and wealth, therefore leading them to take dangerous and risky jobs. This is later seen during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
-
During the years 1880 – 1914, the Canadian government set a goal of encouraging the immigration of Europeans to Canada. The government wanted to further develop their country therefore sending out an invitation for mass immigration. The government promised all new immigrants, one hundred and sixty acres of land. This appealed strongly to Ukrainians who were facing higher taxes and small land cuts back in Ukraine. This was one of the last designated time periods for mass immigration to Canada.
-
The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was a promise to British Colombia made by the Canadian government among entering the Confederation. The Canadian Pacific Railway would connect British Colombia to Eastern Canada. The construction of the railway is responsible for the immigration of fifteen thousand Chinese temporary workers. The route in British Colombia was undoubtedly, the most dangerous. The construction costed the lives of an estimated six hundred Chinese temporary workers.
-
The Chinese Head Tax was created in 1885 by the Canadian government. The tax itself was a fee of at first fifty dollars for every Chinese immigrant who wished to enter Canada. The goal of this tax was to discourage Chinese people from immigrating to Canada. The tax was later raised to five hundred dollars an estimated two years salary at the time. This racist tax was finally abolished in 1923 after the Canadian government had collected nearly twenty-three million dollars from Chinese immigrants.
