Canada Flashcards
(12 cards)
Upper Canada
British speaking majority
Family compact - group of men, controlled by executive council
Lower Canada
French speaking majority
Issues of extreme poverty
Chateau Clique - wealthy families controlled economic and political power
How did the political barrier in the political system cause tension in Canada?
A tension between french and english speaking people, Protestants and catholics
English conservatives part of the family compact/chateau clique dominated the executive and legislative councils
What was the significance of the War of 1812?
The United States invaded British North America (Canada) with the aim of expanding its territory and removing British influence.
Strengthened unity among canadians particularly french canadians in lower canada
Radical reformers inspired by the american revolution who turned to americans for support lost popularity
Quebec act
1774
Granted religious freedoms
Allowed french form of civil law
French could keep their traditional land tenure system
Order of power in Canada
- Governor - appointed by British gov
- Executive council (appointed for a term and responsible to gov) + Legislative council (appointed by Gov for life)
- Legislative Council - elected by the people for 4 years and response to the people
Political barrier between legg council
What were the most significant problems facing Lower Canada?
Chateu Clique - favoured british interests over French majority
Legislative council was dominated by elites therefore made it hard to pass reforms that favoured french interests
Increased immigration of british and irish immigrants who carried cholera
The seigneurial system (a semi-feudal land system) was outdated and inefficient, keeping many French Canadian farmers poor.
What were the most significant problems facing Upper Canada?
Family compact full of elites that controlled land and economy
Reformers, led by William Lyon Mackenzie, demanded responsible government (democratic reforms)
Land set aside for clergy reserves for the anglican church, leaving less land for settlers
Short term causes of the rebellion in Canada?
1837
patriots led by Papineau presented 92 resolutions and more power to the people but british rejected and passed russel revolution increasing taxation and gov control
Famines in lower canada
William Lyon Mackenzie, had long called for a responsible government to limit the power of the Family Compact (a small elite controlling the colony). Britain repeatedly ignored or rejected reform proposals, frustrating reformers
who was Lord Durham?
‘Radical Jack’
Wealthy politician that Gladstone wanted out of his cabinet
Durham Report
1839
- Unification of upper and lower canada
- English became the official language
- Governor role became just a figure head
Impact of the Durham report on Empire
Self-government for predominately white colonies
Colonies became more assertive and has a new governing system
