The National Policy
Quickly after Canada became a country it faced a severe economic challenge. There was an international economic crisis that limited the amount of exports Canadian manufacturers could sell to other countries. In Canada, many businesses went bankrupt or were taken over by larger companies, leading to monopolies and cartels in many industries (less competition = higher prices). Unemployment was also a big problem and many people left Canada for the United States.
The solution Macdonald came up with was the National Policy. This policy, which was enacted (started) in 1878 included:
The goal of Macdonald's National Policy was to develop an autonomous Canadian economy by increasing the size of the population and encouraging Canadians to purchase Canadian products.
The solution Macdonald came up with was the National Policy. This policy, which was enacted (started) in 1878 included:
- support for developing the railways
- higher customs tariffs (taxes on imported goods)
- encourage immigration
The goal of Macdonald's National Policy was to develop an autonomous Canadian economy by increasing the size of the population and encouraging Canadians to purchase Canadian products.
The Railroad
Macdonald's support for railroad construction had a huge impact on the development of Canada. By 1886 the railroad stretched from "sea to sea", reaching all the way to the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of Canada. In fact, the construction of this railroad was one of the conditions British Columbia had for joining Canada, which it did in 1871.
The construction of the railroad, however, also caused some problems for the Canadian government. First, it went heavily in debt to pay for its construction. Secondly, it sparked what is known as the Red River Resistance, led by Louis Riel.
The construction of the railroad, however, also caused some problems for the Canadian government. First, it went heavily in debt to pay for its construction. Secondly, it sparked what is known as the Red River Resistance, led by Louis Riel.
Chester Brown's interpretation of Louis Riel
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Louis Riel and the Métis
The Métis are a people with mixed ancestry and generally live on the Canadian prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan). The majority have parents who are French and Native and they survived mainly from hunting and the fur trade. The Canadian government purchased Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company without making a deal with the Métis who lived on the land. The Métis resisted the Canadian government by forming its own government with Louis Riel as its leader. in 1870 the Canadian government responded by sending the military to crush the rebellion. Many of the Métis escaped, including Riel, and resettled (moved) further west. By 1885 the Métis rebelled against the government. This time the Canadian government was able to send troops on its newly completed railroad and crush the rebellion once and for all. Riel was hanged for treason. |
The reaction to Riel's execution demonstrated that there were still many differences between the French and the English in Canada. The French identified with the Métis because the Métis spoke French and were Catholic. Most English Canadians saw Riel as a traitor to Canada that deserved to be executed.
Economic and Social Changes in Quebec
There were many changes that occurred in Quebec after confederation. Although not necessarily the consequence of joining Canada, the development of Quebec was certainly impacted by various Canadian policies.
Industrialization and Urbanization
There are two phases of industrialization in Quebec from the 1870s until the 1930s. The first phase of industrialization can be understood as being from about 1870 until about 1900.
Characteristics of the First Phase of Industrialization
Industrialization and Urbanization
There are two phases of industrialization in Quebec from the 1870s until the 1930s. The first phase of industrialization can be understood as being from about 1870 until about 1900.
Characteristics of the First Phase of Industrialization
- Urbanization - more and more people moved from the farms (rural) to cities (urban), especially Montreal. This process is called urbanization
- Industrialization - people came to the cities to find work, mainly in factories that produced various goods. The three main sectors were
- everyday consumer goods (tobacco, alcohol, food, clothing, shoes)
- wood products (building material, paper)
- industries linked to the railroad (steel, train cars).
- Trade Unions - life was difficult for these workers. They worked 6 1/2 days a week for up to 80 hours for very little pay. Children often worked to help pay the bills of their family. Workers began to unite in unions (or trade unions) to fight for better working conditions. Although unions were illegal at the beginning of the first phase of industrialization they quickly became accepted and legalized by the provincial government in 1872.
- Emigration - many people left Quebec to find work in the United States. Others colonized unsettled parts of Quebec where they established agroforestry based economies.
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It is very important to remember that the Catholic Church continued to play an important role in Quebec society. The church promoted an ideology called 'ultramontanism', which meant that religion is the most important aspect of any culture. This meant that the church was more important than the state (government). This view is important to understand because the church dominated critical aspects of Quebec society such as education, health care, and charities.
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