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The Royal Proclamation of 1763
The Royal Proclamation of 1763, issued by King George III, aimed to regulate Indigenous peoples' relationship with European settlers. It established the Proclamation Line, prohibited settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains without agreement, and recognized Indigenous rights to their lands. However, it was not always respected, leading to complex impacts. -
The Quebec Act of 1774
The Quebec Act of 1774, passed by the British Parliament, granted Quebec more autonomy and expanded its borders into American territories, causing tension between British colonists and Indigenous peoples. This act influenced the relationship between Britain and its American colonies, leading to the American Revolution. However, it also shaped Canada's future, establishing French language and Catholicism as key components of its identity. -
The War of 1812
The War of 1812 marked the first united Canadian force against a common enemy, causing trade restrictions, impressment of American sailors, and territorial disputes. It solidified Canada's identity as a separate nation, increased cooperation, and impacted the economy and political landscape. -
The Rebellions of 1837-1838
The Rebellions of 1837-1838, triggered by political corruption, economic hardship, and cultural tensions, occurred in Upper and Lower Canada, now Ontario and Quebec. They resulted in the suspension of the constitution, martial law, responsible government, and the end of the Family Compact. -
The Durham Report of 1839
The Durham Report of 1839, authored by John George Lambton, was commissioned by the British government to investigate the Rebellions of 1837-1838 in Upper and Lower Canada. It recommended responsible government, increased power for elected representatives, and the union of Upper and Lower Canada into a single colony, which was achieved in 1840. -
The Charlottetown Conference of 1864
In 1864, the Charlottetown Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, led to the formation of the Canadian nation, a significant event in Canadian history, where delegates discussed governance, representation, and the merits of different forms of government. -
The British North America Act of 1867
The British North America Act of 1867, also known as the Constitution Act, united Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into the Dominion of Canada, established a federal government system, and laid out Canadian legal rights and responsibilities.