British North America In the 1800’s

Two important events that shaped BNA in the 1800’s were: 1763—Britain won all of France’s North American colonies 1776—The British colonies in what is now the US rebelled and became independent from Britain

Important terms Colony: a territory of a “home” country in another part of the world. Hudson’s Bay Company: A company that was given rights in much of Canada by the British government. Province of Canada—Separated into Canada East and West (now Quebec and Ontario)

Population Approximately (very small considering how large of a space it was) Europeans were the majority First Nations and Inuit were the minority 85% rural--country 15% urban—towns Largest city in the Maritimes was Saint John, NB (30,000)

The peoples of the BNA

The British They were the elite. What does that mean? Descendants of the United Empire Loyalists—Who were they? Had been given large areas of land—for CHEAP!! Had the most to say in government, owned the largest businesses and set social standards for the communities. Mostly, all followed the teachings of the Church of England.

The French and the Acadians Two groups 1) The French of Canada East (Quebec—les Habitants) 2) The Acadians (NB, NS, PEI)

The French of Canada East Majority Many had been there since the 1600’s Roman Catholic Only in Canada East were the French Guaranteed certain rights: language, customs, laws and faith.

The Acadians Named after the first permanent French settlement in North America 1600’s and 1700’s strong economies and settlements 1755-le Grand Derangement (“the Expulsion” 8,000-10,000 forced to leave their homes Some moved to Canada East, others to Louisiana or to French communities on the coast of NFLD. Others went as far as France. It’s been estimated that up to 50% of the Acadians that were deported died as a result of the expulsion.

Acadians con’t… Did eventually return to BNA, but it took many years for their development to catch up. The Acadians remained in poverty—still a problem to this day.

Aboriginal Peoples First Nations Inuit Metis

First Nations Originally, had been treated as a “separate nation” by those in power. By 1850, the colonial leaders saw them as subjects.

Problems faced by the First Nations Loss of land —European settlers needed and were allowed (sometimes encouraged) to take whatever land they wanted. Officially, the government did eventually set aside land for the First Nations. Unofficially, they didn’t stop anyone from taking over whatever land they wanted.

Problems con’t… Drop in Population before first contact by 1871 (some entire communities were wiped out) Why? Usually disease—no protection from European diseases

The Metis Largest settlement in the BNA was near Lake Winnipeg Were of mixed descent of French and First Nations ancestry Employed in the Fur trade—low level positions Couldn’t advance due to racist attitudes

Black Colonists Slavery abolished in the BNA in 1834 American Revolution—approx Black Loyalists came to the BNA (mostly NB and NS) Different benefits than their white counterparts Poor quality, small plots of land. Difficulties getting titles to land—made to move?

Black Loyalists con’t… Between Black people (men, women, children) came to BNA Why? Most moved to Ontario and NS