Canada’s History: Ch. 5, Section 2

Canada’s History Ch. 5, Section 2

First Inhabitants Canada’s first inhabitants were the Inuit and other Native Americans.

Europeans The first Europeans in Canada were Viking explorers who arrived around A.D. 1000.

Later, both Britain and France claimed areas of Canada.

French Canada • France founded Quebec and Montreal, and ruled the area around the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. • This region was called New France.

British Colonies In 1763, the British gained control of Canada, and they held onto Canada as a colony for about 100 years. During this time, British and French areas were kept as separate colonies with their own governments.

Dominion of Canada • In 1867 the colonies were joined as one nation, called The Dominion of Canada. • Canada officially had its own government, but foreign relations were handled by Britain.

French Canadians • French speakers often felt they were unfairly treated because of their heritage. • Canada was often torn apart by disputes between the two ethnic groups.

Independence • Canada fought with the Americans and British in the two World Wars, and this led to their full independence in 1982. • 1982 - Only 27 years ago!!!

Independence • The British King or Queen is still the King or Queen of Canada, but they’re only ceremonial. (They don’t have any real power.) Queen Elizabeth II greets Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a private audience at Buckingham Palace, on April 1, 2009 in London.

Government • British style parliamentary democracy. • Voters elect representatives • Representatives choose the prime minister. • The prime minister is the head of the government (similar to the U.S. president).