1. Mind’s On – Historical Genius!
You and your group are advisors (or professional experts, your choice) on a new museum and have to choose several documents to put in.
The focus of your exhibit is the mid 1700’s. You need to choose 3 images of the ones provided and be able to discuss why those are the best pictures to represent the spirit of the 1700’s in the New World.
We’re in a rush to open so you only have 5 minutes!

8. Minds On – Quote Analysis
“And whereas, it is just and reasonable, and essential to our interest, and the Security of our Colonies, that the several Nations or Tribes of Indians with whom We are connected, and who live under Our protection, should not be molested or disturbed in the Possession of such parts of Our Dominion and Territories as, not having been ceded to or purchased by Us, are reserved to them or any of them as their Hunting Grounds.”
What is your interpretation of the meaning of this quote?
What do you think it says in regards to Indigenous possession of the land or their rights?
Is there anything unique you notice? What might this indicate?
Excerpt from the Royal Proclamation
“And whereas, it is just and reasonable, and essential to our interest, and the Security of our Colonies, that the several Nations or Tribes of Indians with whom We are connected, and who live under Our protection, should not be molested or disturbed in the Possession of such parts of Our Dominion and Territories as, not having been ceded to or purchased by Us, are reserved to them or any of them as their Hunting Grounds.”
Record your interpretation of the Royal Proclamation in your notebook/journal. What do you think it says in regards to Indigenous possession of the land or their rights? Be prepared to discuss your interpretation with your classmates.

9. The Seven Years War
By the 1750’s Britain began to push further west into New France in their desire to acquire land – France pushed back. In 1754 war broke out in North America between the rivalling empires.
In 1756 the war spread to Europe and other colonized areas throughout the world, officially starting the Seven Years War ( )
Advantages for Britain: Population and military resources
Advantages for France: Clearer network of Indigenous alliances
During this war Indigenous peoples were forced to choose between the French and British. Most were opposed to Britain’s policy of acquiring lands rather than sharing them, so many chose to side with the French.
The Seven Years War
By the 1750’s Britain began to push further west into New France in their desire to acquire land – When they did, France pushed back. In 1754 war broke out in North America between the rivalling empires. This contributed greatly to the French/English divide that is still felt to some extent today.
In 1756 the war spread to Europe and other colonized areas throughout the world, officially starting the Seven Year War from
Britain had a clear advantage with population and military resources. For the most part France had a clearer network of Indigenous alliances to assist them.
During this war Indigenous peoples were forced to choose between the French and British. Most were opposed to Britain’s policy of acquiring lands rather than sharing them, so many chose to side with the French.

10. The British defeated the French at the Plains of Abraham in 1759 and took control of Quebec City
When the war officially ended in 1763 France gave up its territory in the Treaty of Paris. Britain now had the majority of control in North America
Paternalism refers to a policy or practice of treating a group in a way that a stereotypical father might care for his children. Britain’s goal was to care for Indigenous peoples without giving them rights or responsibilities as a way to control them
When Britain defeated the French at the Plains of Abraham in 1759 they took control of Quebec City, and the French gave up the war in North America. This was a decisive moment for both the colonial powers and Indigenous peoples. Living space, economy and political organization was now the domain of the British.
When the war officially ended in 1763 France gave up its territory in the Treaty of Paris. Britain now had the majority of control in North America and would assert their Paternalistic policies over Indigenous peoples in the coming years.
Paternalism refers to a policy or practice of treating a group in a way that a stereotypical father might care for his children. Britain’s goal was to care for Indigenous peoples without giving them rights or responsibilities as a way to control them. This is evident in many ensuing treaties and legislation.

11. Royal Proclamation of 1763
After the Seven Years War, the British Empire was somewhat in disarray. Problems they were facing in the 1760’s included:
The war was very unpopular
It was causing friction throughout the colonies
The war was extremely costly
There was growing unrest on the American colonies
The British were afraid of Indigenous resistance as they expanded westward
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was a legal policy claiming lands in North America for the British Crown
Royal Proclamation
After the Seven Years War, Britain’s colonies were somewhat in disarray. Problems they were facing in the 1760’s included:
- The war was very unpopular in Europe and was causing friction throughout all the colonies
- The war was extremely costly for the British and exhausted much of their resources
- There was growing unrest on the American colonies, as you learned about in the previous section
- The British were afraid of Indigenous resistance as they expanded westward
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was a legal policy claiming lands in North America for the British Crown

12. The Proclamation Line established colonial expansion , and “Indian Territory”
Despite a history of alliances and treaty-making, Indigenous leaders were not consulted
Clear boundaries were established based on the Proclamation Line (extending from Quebec to Florida), rules for expansion were established, and what was called “Indian Territory” west of the Line was made clear.
Despite claiming Indigenous lands and having a history of treaty-making, Indigenous leaders were not consulted and were not included in decision-making.

13. Other Terms
The Royal Proclamation was also reflective of what was later known as the Doctrine of Discovery – Essentially a way to legalize and justify colonial presence and power over Indigenous peoples.
The Doctrine was based on two concepts: Terra Nullius, which means “empty land” and Terra Incognita, which means “unused land.”
Terra Nullius simply claims land which people do not inhabit. When colonizers discovered there were people there, they instituted Terra Incognita. This reflects the position that Indigenous peoples were not using the land “properly”, justifying the creation of farms and agriculture.
The Royal Proclamation was also reflective of what was later known as the Doctrine of Discovery – Essentially a way to legalize and justify colonial presence and power over Indigenous peoples.
The Doctrine was based on two concepts: Terra Nullius, which means “empty land” and Terra Incognita, which means “unused land.”
Terra Nullius simply claims land which people do not inhabit. When colonizers discovered there were people there, they instituted Terra Incognita. This reflects the position that Indigenous peoples were not using the land “properly”, justifying the creation of farms and agricultural systems.

14. Effects of the Royal Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples
It made Britain the governing body between Indigenous nations and the colonies – All decisions would become the responsibility of the Crown.
Indigenous sovereignty – the right and ability to rule their traditional lands – was not clear. This issue is still debated today.
The wording of the Proclamation, including “Our land” indicates British control of the land.
Indigenous culture is largely based on oral tradition – Documents and legislation was now in written form, in a language that the majority of Indigenous peoples did not understand.
For the most part, the next 100 years were reflective of friendly relationships between the British and Indigenous peoples, although the Proclamation was somewhat unclear.
Effects of the Royal Proclamation on Indigenous Peoples
It made Britain the governing body between Indigenous nations and the colonies – All decisions would become the responsibility of the Crown.
Indigenous sovereignty – which is the right and ability to rule their traditional lands – was not clear. This issue is still debated today.
The wording of the Proclamation, including “Our land” indicates British control of the land. Again, this has an effect on the relationship between the government of Canada and Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous culture is largely based on oral tradition – Documents and legislation was now in written form, in a language that the majority of Indigenous peoples did not understand. This was another tool used by British colonizers during this period as a means of getting what they wanted and often pushing through policy in a treaty discussion.
For the most part, the next 100 years were reflective of friendly relationships between the British and Indigenous peoples, although the Proclamation was somewhat unclear. When the Numbered Treaties of the 1800’s are being introduced assimilative policy becomes the norm for Canada.