Chapter EightChapter EightCanadaCanadaSection TwoSection Two

The Search for a National IdentityThe Search for a National Identity

Understanding the PastUnderstanding the Past

• Canada’s population is as vast and varied as its land.

• Most people identify with regional or ethnic groups rather than the nation as a whole.

• The two largest groups are:

1. British Ancestry 40%

2. French Ancestry 27%

The First CanadiansThe First Canadians

• The first people to live in what is now Canada were Inuit and Native Americans.

• These people developed stable societies and adapted to a wide range of environments.

• In the 1600’s, the rival European empires of England and France began colonizing the region.

• Soon England and France were battling each other for control of the land.

Colonial RivalriesColonial Rivalries

• French and English colonists clashed over the fur trade and land claims.

• Between 1689 and 1763, the English and French fought four wars in North America.

• The English defeated the French in the Battle of Quebec in 1759.

• In 1763 France surrendered all of its empire in what is now Canada to the English.

Ties to BritainTies to Britain

• Canada remained under direct British rule until 1867, when it received some control over domestic affairs.

• In 1931 Canada became an independent country, even though the British monarch is still Canada’s symbolic ruler.

Conflict Between Two CulturesConflict Between Two Cultures

• 70,000 French colonists lived in Canada when the British took control in 1763.

• The British government passed laws ensuring that French Canadians would be able to maintain their own language, laws, and culture.

• Today both English and French are the official languages of Canada.

• Many French Canadians feel discriminated against by the English speaking majority.

• In the 1960’s the Quebecois, Quebec’s French speaking citizens, began to embrace the idea of separatism.

• Separatism- The desire to make Quebec an independent country.• In 1974 French became the official language of Quebec.• In 1995 a referendum was held on the issue of secession, but failed

by a slim vote.• Secede- To formally withdraw (in this case from Canada).

Welcoming Diversity, Promoting Welcoming Diversity, Promoting UnityUnity

• Many different groups make up Canadian society:

1. British 40%

2. French 27%

3. Other European 20% (Mainly German, Italian, Ukrainian, Scandinavian, Dutch, and Polish)

4. Asian 11.5%

5. Native Canadian 1.5%

A Multicultural SocietyA Multicultural Society

• There are 554,000 Canadians of Native decent in Canada. 41,000 of these are Inuit.

• Most Native Canadians live in the territories, or northern areas of Newfoundland, Ontario, and Quebec.

• The largest number of recent immigrants are form Asia, who are settling mostly in British Columbia.