National Policy Part I NWMP

Summary

In 1869, as Canada gained independence under Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald, he introduced the National Policy to build a strong nation through a transcontinental railway, immigration, and industrial growth. Challenges included securing land from American encroachment and addressing lawlessness caused by whiskey traders and wolfers, which threatened First Nations. To restore order, Macdonald established the Northwest Mounted Police, tasked with upholding law and order, protecting Indigenous communities, and supporting new settlers. This multifaceted approach aimed to cultivate a robust economy and secure Canada's future.

Takeaways

• 🇨🇦 Canada became an independent country in 1869, with Sir John A. Macdonald as its first Prime Minister.
• 📈 Macdonald's vision for Canada included building a strong economy supported by thriving industries.
• 🚂 The National Policy was created to develop a robust railway system across the country.
• 👥 A significant aspect of the National Policy was to attract immigrants to settle in western Canada.
• 🏞️ Securing land in Canada was crucial to prevent American claims and ensure orderly settlement.
• ⚖️ Lawlessness in western territories, including whiskey trading and poaching, posed challenges to peace.
• 👮‍♂️ The Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) was established to maintain law and order and protect Indigenous peoples.
• 📍 Surveyors marked the Canada-US border to clarify territorial claims and prevent encroachment.
• 🤝 The NWMP aimed to facilitate peace between Indigenous communities and newcomers to Canada.
• 💪 With law enforcement and infrastructure in place, Macdonald moved closer to realizing his dream of a strong Canada.

Q & A

What was Sir John A. Macdonald's dream for Canada?

Sir John A. Macdonald dreamed of making Canada a strong country with a robust economy supported by thriving industries.

What was the National Policy?

The National Policy was a plan designed by Sir John A. Macdonald to create a strong Canada, consisting of three main components: transportation policy, immigration policy, and economic policy.

What were the three key sections of the National Policy?

The three key sections of the National Policy were: 1) Building a strong railway across Canada, 2) Using the railway to bring immigrants to Western Canada, and 3) Encouraging immigrants to build and work in industries for a strong national economy.

Why was securing land important for Macdonald?

Securing land was crucial for Macdonald to establish clear ownership and prevent American expansion into Canadian territory, ensuring that settlers could be given land for farming and industry.

What challenges did Macdonald face in Up Country?

Macdonald faced challenges from whiskey traders and American wolfers, who created lawlessness and conflict with First Nations by illegally trading alcohol and poisoning wolves.

What was the role of the Northwest Mounted Police?

The Northwest Mounted Police were established to maintain peace, control the border, protect Aboriginal peoples from American outlaws, and assist newcomers in adjusting to the frontier.

How did the presence of whiskey traders affect the First Nations?

The whiskey traders disrupted the lives of the First Nations by trading alcohol, which led to conflicts and retaliatory actions from the First Nations against the traders.

What strategies did the wolfers use to hunt wolves?

The wolfers used the tactic of poisoning buffalo carcasses, which led to the deaths of not only the wolves but also First Nations' dogs, causing significant conflict.

What measures were taken to ensure peace between newcomers and First Nations?

To ensure peace, the government recruited the Northwest Mounted Police, who were tasked with clearing out whiskey traders, arresting lawbreakers, and fostering good relations between newcomers and First Nations.

What ultimately contributed to the realization of Macdonald's dream for a strong Canada?

The successful establishment of the railway, the securing of land, the reduction of lawlessness through the Northwest Mounted Police, and the encouragement of immigration to the West all contributed to the realization of Macdonald's dream for a strong Canada.