Big+Question+3

__//**Foundational Objective 3: Big Question**//__ //Throughout the 17th and 18th century, many groups have tried to gain influence over the societal decision-making processes. Describe the transformation that Canada has gone through and describe the effects that this transformation has had the residents of Canada.//

__//**Editorial**//__ Throughout the years of North America, we have seen many changes. From not being able to stay through the winter, to having a sophisticated system of government, we have come a long way and should be proud of our advancements. In summary, we began with the seignioral government, and then the Royal Proclamation of 1763 established a a basis of government in the North American territories. This would have been quite a shock to the citizens, as it was such a change. This would have also made French citizens angry - we had attempted to assimilate them and take away their distinctiveness. After that, many different Acts, mainly the Coercive Acts (Quartering, Boston Port, Massachusetts, Administration of Justice, and Quebec Acts) were the reason for much frustration among Canadians. They were angered by the fact that government officials had control over land they have never even seen. The American Revolution showed the emotions of the citizens, as many of these people wanted independence from Britain. The people who were still loyal to Britain (the Loyalists) came here. The Constitutional Act came soon after this, and this created the separation between Upper and Lower Canada. This was quite frustrating for the civilians, as it created a huge separation between the two provinces. The new government structure that came after was represented by a lieutenant-governor, assisted by an executive council, a legislative council, and a house of assembly was appointed to every province. Oligarchies soon took over, and the War of 1812 came up -- a war between Britain and America. The results of this war was mainly the Rush-Bagot Agreement, which settled the boundary between the United States and British North America. Canada was finally defined. This was quite a significant step, as it helped create a Canadian identity and showed that we were ready and prepared to be our own nation and govern ourselves. Below are some excerpts of letters or journal entries of the citizens that settled this land, written to either this newspaper or past newspapers, that express how they felt about government and how it has helped or hindered defining who they are today.

__//**Articles**//__ August 12, 1612 This is the night after first contact I have had - the native seem to be a very gentle, peaceful people, although they seem quite primative. Their structure of power is very different to our European sense, especially being French, as this tribe has an equality belief, where we have our king and our seigniors and inhabitants. From what I see, this equality seems to keep the tribe in good relations with eachother, and the one issue that came up today was easily resolved with conversation. I wonder what our government would be like if the people of the country could decide what would happen. Alas, I am supposed to sleep on the ground next to a fire, which is a little frightening. Tomorrow, they will begin teaching us how to preserve food and how to make other things. I am not sure, but hopefully tips on canoe-making, as ours were severely damaged getting to their camp, and they seem to believe our canoes are inferior. After that day, they are showing us trails through the bush and where they will be in the winter. This will only be the settlement's second year, and I cannot wait until I have a chance to make it grow. Trying to communicate with these people is difficult, and overly frustrating. We only have one translator from the camp, and I'm afraid that some day he will translate wrong and get us all killed. I am afraid that we may upset or disrespect their customs or their beliefs, and then our source of survival tips would be cut off completely. I fear the majority of us won't make it through the winter anyways, and that I will not be able to see my family again. I pray they're okay, and I hope that soon I can create a life for us, here, in this new world.

Dear Marie, May 28th, 1813

The Americans just seized Fort George. A few others and I managed to escape after they killed most of our fleet. We are camping out, for tonight, and I thought I should write to you so you know I am alive, and well. We will be heading out to find the rest who ran, as there were many. I hope that we have another attempt at them. It is ridiculous how we are being used for pawns for Britain, but at least they have some men in the maritimes, and it is not just Upper Canadians ready to fight. I hope that some good comes of these battles, Marie, for I am ready for change. I do not want to keep fighting any more. I want our own country and nation, our own government and our own dreams for the future. I must retire, now, for it will be an early morning tomorrow. ........

Journal Entry, April 29, 1817. The Rush-Bagot Agreement has been finalized, and I am happy! Finally, I have a place to call my own, my own country! All I had hoped for has come true - finally I can live my life and not worry about Americans trying to take over or having issues with Britain. No, this is my land and my home, and this is where it shall be from now on. Less fighting, too. Less battles I'll have to be apart of, and this time I can spend with my family. Jillian has turned 8 two days ago, and our next should be born in November. They need their father. I hope that my children have a safe place to live and grow up in, and that they don't need to lose their father to some petty fight. I hope that our country can continue to make good progress in becoming its own unique nation, where we can govern ourselves and my children can have a say in what matters in their lives when they are adults. I'm afraid that we will always be under this government, where we have to answer to the "elite". How are they more elite than me or my family, where it is me and my neighbors and coworkers who fight their battles? I hope my children never have to deal with that. I've heard word of some rebellions against the government, and I truly hope they work. I would love to have the government work for my needs and my wants. I guess only time will tell.

Article: Lord Durham's Report!: Outcomes! 1847 Lord Durham was sent here to investigate the causes of all the rebellions that have been popping up all over the country, and to propose solutions. Durham had sent in his ideas for our country, and he had come up with a few different thoughts. First, he thought it would be beneficial to unite the provinces under one legislature. Second, he came up with the idea of "Rep by Pop". The British government has spoken, and we have our Responsible government! We now have a system where both Upper and Lower Canada have 42 members in the legislature, and we are both apart of the same legislature. Canada finally has its Responsible Government it has been waiting for. This country has finally begun to come together and be a unique nation - we can finally govern ourselves and speak for what we want in our lives.

(This would have been another blow to French-Canadians, as it was another assimilation attempt. English dominated while the French still wanted to be recognized as a distinct nationality. Reformers loved the idea of this responsible government where as the elites in Upper Canada rejected it, since they would lose their power.)