1. SS6H4 The student will describe the impact of European contact on Canada
SS6H5 The student will analyze important 2oth century issues in Canada
History of canada

2. ELEMENTS
Describe the influence of the French and the English on the language and religion of Canada 
Explain how Canada became an independent nation 
Describe Quebec’s independence movement.

3. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Why does Quebec want independence?
What conflicts have occurred because of Quebec’s independence movement?
Why hasn’t Quebec been granted independence?
What changes in Canada could occur if Quebec is granted independence?  
How have the French and English influenced the languages and religions of Canada?

4. THE COLONIZATION OF CANADA
Canada was first explored by John Cabot of England, and after his exploration, others followed to the land, notably Jacques Cartier of France
Samuel de Champlain of France explored Canada and established the settlement of Quebec
Became an important center for fur trading
The French called the land New France, and would trade constantly with the Native Americans
The French established a government and laws in the colony
The English settled in the western part of Canada near the Rocky Mountains and near southern Canada

5. THE WAR FOR CANADA
The English and French would fight a war over Canada called the French and Indian War
The war ended in 1763, and the English controlled all lands east of the Mississippi River, and allowed the French to stay in New France (present day Quebec)
Most English stayed in the north part of Canada, while the French occupied the southern part

6. INFLUENCE OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE
Because of both England and France, Canada has many cultural influences
Two-thirds of Canadians speak English, while those who live in Quebec speak French
Canadians worship Christianity, but those who speak French are Catholic, while those who speak English are Protestant

7. THE INDEPENDENCE OF CANADA
Just like in America, those living in British colonies grew tired of British rule, and began to rebel in 1837
The British united the colonies in 1841 and established the Province of Canada, having each colony govern themselves
In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was created
This allowed Canada to be independent, but still under the British control
The first four provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Brunswick
Over the years, more provinces would join, and the British would slowly reduce their control
In 1931, Canada became a free and independent country

8. QUEBEC’S INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
Around 1960, citizens of Quebec felt they were being ignored and wanted their own rights. They wanted sovereignty, or to be free from government control. They felt French culture was not being preserved. In 1980 the idea to secede, or withdraw, from Canada began to form. The government of Canada passed a law in 1988 preserving French culture. Votes were taken in 1980 and 1995 on whether Quebec should secede, with both votes going no. In 1998, the Canadian government ruled in court That Quebec could not secede without the country’s permission. This issue still is being debated today.