Histoire du Québec Canada: 1840 à 1896 (chapitre 1 du 4e secondaire)

Summary

This historical overview delves into Quebec's transformative period from 1840 to 1896, highlighting key events like the Act of Union and the introduction of responsible government. It discusses the political evolution marked by the Reformist alliance, the rise of bipartisanship, and economic shifts from protectionism to free trade with the U.S. The script also touches on the impact of the American Civil War, the push for Confederation, and the cultural and political influence of the Catholic Church in preserving French Canadian identity amidst the backdrop of industrialization and westward expansion.

Takeaways

• 📚 Welcome to the history channel 'le prof d'histoire'. This episode covers Quebec's history from 1840 to 1896.
• 🗂️ The chapter starts with the conclusion of the Durham Report, which recommended unifying Upper and Lower Canada to assimilate French Canadians.
• 📜 The Act of Union of 1840 united Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada, but did not initially grant responsible government.
• 🤝 Reformist alliances, led by Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine and Robert Baldwin, succeeded in obtaining responsible government in 1848.
• ⚖️ The political system of the time was characterized by bipartisanship, with power divided between Conservatives and Liberals, leading to ministerial instability.
• 🛠️ Economic changes included the end of protectionism in 1846, leading Canada to seek new trade partners, primarily the United States.
• 🚂 The creation of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1852 boosted the internal economy and trade with the U.S., culminating in the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854.
• ⚔️ The American Civil War (1861-1865) disrupted the Reciprocity Treaty, pushing Canada to develop its own internal market and infrastructure.
• 🇨🇦 The push for Confederation led to the formation of the Great Coalition in 1864 and the eventual creation of Canada as a Dominion in 1867.
• 🚜 The National Policy of 1879 aimed to develop Canada's economy through tariffs, a transcontinental railway, and settlement of the western prairies.
• 👷‍♂️ Industrialization brought poor working conditions, leading to the rise of labor unions, recognized legally in 1872.
• 🌲 The logging industry and later the pulp and paper industry became major economic drivers, supported by the expanding railway network.
• 🏠 Urbanization increased as young people moved from rural areas to cities, while many French Canadians emigrated to the U.S.
• 📢 The Métis and Indigenous peoples faced displacement and cultural genocide, notably through the establishment of residential schools.
• ⛪ The Catholic Church played a significant role in protecting French Canadian identity, despite growing anti-clerical movements.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the Act of Union in 1840?

The Act of Union in 1840 aimed to unite Upper and Lower Canada, with the long-term goal of assimilating French Canadians by merging the predominantly English-speaking Upper Canada with the French-speaking Lower Canada.

What does 'responsible government' refer to in the context of the script?

Responsible government refers to a system where elected officials are part of the executive branch of government and can hold ministerial positions, being accountable to the legislative assembly.

Who were the key figures in the Reformist movement that sought responsible government in Canada?

Key figures in the Reformist movement included Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin, who represented French and English-speaking reformers respectively.

What economic policy did the British government implement after ending protectionism in 1846?

After ending protectionism in 1846, the British government proposed a policy of free trade, allowing Canada to choose its own trade partners and reducing regulations on trade.

What was the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854, and how did it benefit Canada?

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 was an economic agreement between Canada and the United States that allowed for the exchange of raw materials and agricultural products without tariffs, enriching Canada through access to the vast American market.

How did the American Civil War impact Canada's economic relationship with the United States?

The American Civil War led to the end of the Reciprocity Treaty as the newly elected President Abraham Lincoln's policies, particularly the abolition of slavery, caused the Southern states to secede and the North to enforce unity, disrupting trade relations.

What was the primary goal of the Canadian Confederation proposed in the 1860s?

The primary goal of the Canadian Confederation was to create a unified political entity that would facilitate the construction of a vast railway network, connecting the various provinces and promoting economic development through a larger domestic market.

What was the significance of the British North America Act of 1867?

The British North America Act of 1867 was significant as it established the Dominion of Canada with a constitutional monarchy, creating a federal system of government with shared responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments.

How did the National Policy of Sir John A. Macdonald aim to support Canadian industries and economic expansion?

Sir John A. Macdonald's National Policy increased tariffs on imported goods to protect Canadian industries and finance the expansion of the railway network, while also promoting immigration to settle and cultivate the western lands of Canada.

What were the Métis and First Nations' responses to the encroachment on their lands due to the expansion of the railway and settlement by immigrants?

The Métis and First Nations organized armed rebellions to negotiate with the Canadian government for their rights. Louis Riel became the leader and spokesperson for the Métis, leading to the creation of the province of Manitoba, but also resulting in conflicts and his eventual exile.

How did the Catholic Church influence Quebec society and politics during this period?

The Catholic Church held significant moral authority and was involved in politics, influencing the population and controlling education, hospitals, and orphanages. It also played a role in protecting the French Canadian identity and culture in the face of British and Protestant immigration.