Canada vs. USA Is Canadian nationalism really as strong as some of us may think? Cziegler2011B

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz ~Language is a very important aspect of nationalism. Being able to understand and communicate with one another is a necessity. ~Language is different from Canada to the USA. While Canada has two official languages, we are known as multi-cultural. Because of this, we have many languages, which are spoken around the country. This may create a communication barrier between some people – or groups – and a stronger connection between others. The USA does not have an official language, but most of the people in the USA speak English. This may create more of a bond throughout the country compared to Canada, whose citizens speak a number of different languages. Cziegler2011B

~National anthems are a significant part of a nation. The anthem brings people together and tells parts of a nation’s history, traditions, or struggles. These national anthems are recognized by citizens and are unique to each nation. ~Both the USA and Canada have national anthems which are unique and important to their own country. The American anthem, “Star Spangled Banner”, is from the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” wrote about part of the War of 1812.The Canadian anthem, “O Canada”, is about Canada’s history, land, and the love that citizens feel for their country. Cziegler2011B

~ Gaining independence from Britain was a crucial step for both the USA and Canada, in order to become their own countries. ~The USA gained independence from Britain July 4, Armed conflict during the American Revolution eventually convinced the colonists that separation from Britain was essential. Thomas Jefferson wrote a draft of declaration which was approved July 4, 1776 and the 13 North American British colonies were free from Britain. ~Canada’s separation took a little more time. In 1867, Canada became a Dominion in the British Commonwealth. More and more provinces began to join the new confederation and as Canada grew as a nation, its independence from Britain increased. During WWI, Canada supported Britain supplying men and materials. This helped to give the Canadian Government more leverage against Britain. After WWI Canada was elected as an independent member of the League of Nations. By 1931 Canada had become “equal in status” to Great Britain. ~ Canada had peacefully and gradually evolved into a nation, unlike the USA, who gained independence with armed revolution. Cziegler2011B

~ Health Care is one of the subjects that always comes up in government, but that would be because it is very important to citizens. The USA and Canada differ in their Health Care System... ~The USA does not have “free” health care. Medical expenses need to be covered by insurance or medical benefits that you may receive from work, or from your own pocket. ~Canada’s health care system is publically funded. Health care is provided to everyone, and does not cost you like it does in the USA. Cziegler2011B

~ Government is essential to run any and every nation. Both Canada and the US are democracies and federal states, but the major difference between the two governments is the type of government. Canada is a constitutional monarchy and the USA is republic. For this we have a parliamentary-cabinet government and the US has a presidential- congressional. This difference makes the way in which the two governments are run different from one another. Cziegler2011B

So, is nationalism strong in Canada? Or maybe not as strong as we would like to believe? When compared to the USA, Canada does not appear to reach the same level of nationalism. The US appears to have lots of support and love for their country and like to “show it off”. This does not mean that Canada is lacking. I believe that nationalism is alive and well. When looking at the history of Canada, you can see the nationalism that existed then and today. I feel that we have Canadian nationalism, but we don’t necessarily “flaunt” it. The love and support for our country is still there, and hopefully to stay. Cziegler2011B

Photos: ianThumb.jpg patriotic jpg Cziegler2011B