Canadian History Quiz - Part II (1800-1900)

1. The victor of the War of 1812, fought between Britain and the U.S., in part on Canadian soil, depends on one's northern or southern leaning. As with many wars, events arise that cause persons of ordinary composition to do extraordinary acts of bravery. One such case during the war was a young woman, who overheard American plans to attack an unsuspecting British garrison at Beaver Dam (in present day Ontario). She put herself in great danger as she traveled some 50 miles through American lines and wilderness to warn the British. As a result, the British were prepared and were victorious over the American force. Who was this woman? Hint: a well known eastern Canadian chocolate company is named for her.

2. During much of the 1800s, areas such as Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland were all separate colonies of Great Britain. The Province of Canada included both, what today are, Quebec and Ontario. This coupling of different cultural, linguistic, and political interests did not work well. In order to placate both interests the capital shifted between both regions every couple of years. This need to move families, offices, etc satisfied no one. How was this delicate political situation resolved by Queen Victoria?

3. Canadian colonial pressure and British self-interest eventually saw the creation of an independent Canada in 1867. What was the name of the legislation that created Canada?

4. Canada was not a completely independent country in 1867, by its own choosing. What significant authority did it leave in British hands?

5. Only four provinces made up this original confederation. Can you name the original four and the order in which the other provinces/territories joined?

6. As more settlers began to move westward, the traditional lives and lands of the Indians, traders, and mixed peoples were being challenged. Who led the two rebellions in the cause of these interests? And, can you name the uprisings?

7. The fear that Canadian sovereignty in the west was in jeopardy from American expansionist interests led to the creation of what organization by the Government of Canada on May 23, 1873 to emphasize that the territory belonged to Canada?

8. The offspring of the union of French and other Europeans with First Nations women created a distinct cultural entity - what are they called?

9. Most Canadians know that our first prime minister was John A. Macdonald, a Conservative. Canada's second prime minister was also its first Liberal p.m. Who was he? And, a big bonus if you know what the "A." stands for in John A. Macdonald's name?

10. In 1877, 200 Sioux led by their famous leader, arrived in present day Saskatchewan. Why did they come to Canada and who was their leader?

11.What important event, on Nov 7, 1885, at obscure Craigellachie in Eagle Pass in British Columbia's Kootenays, made Canada truly a nation from sea to sea?

12. In 1896, an event on an obscure creek in northern Canada, precipitated an incredible flow of humanity to this area. What was that event?




Answers:

1. Laura Secord. Learn more

2. Regional interests were petitioning for the likes of Kingston, Toronto, Quebec City, and Montreal. The selection of any one of these would offend the cultural, linguistic, and political sensitivities of the loser. Hence, she selected a small lumber town known as Ottawa in 1857 to be the capital. Ottawa was conveniently located on the Ottawa River which marked the border between the two regions that made up the Province of Canada. This compromise, although logical in its conclusion, satisfied neither side. Regardless, it became capital.

3. British North America Act of 1867.

4. Foreign/external affairs. They could not sign treaties, declare wars, have ambassadors, etc. Cost, inexperience, lack of a strong military were some of the considerations which led to this decision. By the Statute of Westminster in 1931, Canada assumed these responsibilities.

5.
1867 - Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
1870 - Manitoba & Northwest Territiories
1871 - British Columbia
1873 - Prince Edward Island
1878 - Yukon
1905 - Saskatchewan & Alberta
1949 - Newfoundland
1999 - Nunavut

6. Louis Riel, an enigmatic figure in Canadian history. He was captured after the second rebellion. He was tried for treason and hanged. His execution caused lasting division between the English protestants of Ontario, who viewed him a traitor, and the French catholics of Quebec, who saw him as a martyr. Read more.

The two rebellions were the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70 (present day Manitoba) and the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 (present day Saskatchewan).

7. The Northwest Mounted Police. It wasn't until 1920 that it became known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

8. Metis.

9. Alexander Mackenzie. Not to be confused with the explorer Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Coincidently the "A" stands for Alexander.

10. Sitting Bull had just defeated Custer at the Little Big Horn and was fleeing U.S. forces. He was quite happy in Canada but hunger and cold caused him to move back to the U.S. in 1881 where he surrendered.

11. The driving of the last spike of the C.P.R. by Donald Smith (aka - Lord Strathcona). To his right, in the tall top hat, is Sir Sanford Fleming (his proposal for world wide standard time zones was adopted) and to his right, is William Van Horne, the general manager who saw to the completion of the railroad.

12. Gold on Rabbit Creek (changed shortly thereafter to Bonanza Creek), thus starting the Klondike Goldrush.