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Beginning of human occupation
Foundations of Indigenous societies. -
Explains peopling of the Americas (one major theory).
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First known European presence in North America.
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Pre-1492: Shows diversity and density pre-contact.
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Claims Newfoundland for England.
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Late 1400s–1500s: Start of European influence before colonization.
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First French exploration
Early relations with Indigenous groups. -
Beginning of permanent French settlement. birth of New France
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Sets French–Indigenous alliances and conflicts with Haudenosaunee.
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First missionaries aiming to convert Indigenous peoples.
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Powerful cultural and political presence in New France.
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Attempt to control colonization and trade.
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Mid-1600s: Competition for fur trade
Reshaped Indigenous geopolitics. -
Mid-1600s–early 1700s: Era of negotiation and cultural accommodation in Great Lakes region.
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Direct control from France
Population growth efforts. -
Boosts population and social stability.
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First major imperial conflict affecting colonies.
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Continues Anglo-French struggle in North America.
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France loses Acadia
Beginning of British dominance. -
Decisive conflict
Ends French empire in Canada. -
Pivotal battle leading to British control.
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End of French rule.
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France cedes Canada to Britain officially.
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Protects Indigenous lands
Sets British governance. -
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Protects French culture
Angers American colonists. -
Huge migrations - reshapes Canada.
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Major demographic shift
Strengthens British identity. -
Response to Loyalist settlement needs.
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Splits Upper Lower Canada - two legal/cultural systems.
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Push for democratic reform.
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Recommends responsible government + unification.
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Creates Province of Canada
Anglo-dominated politics. -
Democratic self-rule achieved.
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Increases US–Canada trade.
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Birth of the Confederation project.
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(ON, QC, NS, NB)
Start of federal system. -
Defines federalism parliamentary system.
Division of powers (Sections 91/92): Separates federal provincial authority.
Creation of Senate House of Commons: Foundation of Canadian democracy. -
Creation of modern Canada.
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Linked to Red River Resistance.
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Secured by promise of a transcontinental railway.
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Government attempts to gain land while promising aid to First Nations.
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Government gains land; promises support to First Nations.
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Resolved debt issues
Expands Confederation. -
Central tool of assimilation, controlled Indigenous life. Regulates Indigenous lives and governance.
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Tariffs + railway + settlement strategy.
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Late 19th c.–1996: Cultural genocide
Attempted destruction of Indigenous identity. -
Indigenous–settler tension
Nation-building through railway. -
Canada proves international role
National unity crisis. -
Quebec–English Canada divide deepens.
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Canada gains autonomy in foreign affairs.
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Massive unemployment and political instability.
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Canada becomes fully sovereign (except constitution).
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Economic boom and global status increases.
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Repeats national tension.
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Patriation and rights protections embedded in law.
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Recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.
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Formal recognition of harms
Start of reconciliation process.