LIFE IN UPPER & LOWER CANADA 1815-1855

Chapter 1 & 2- Class NotesRebellions of Upper & Lower Canada

British North America Responsible Government

Borders what is now New Brunswick; northeast area of United States; & Great lakes

Upper Canada- Southern Ontario Lower Canada- Quebec and Newfoundland Upper and Lower Canada both British

Colonies Lower Canada mainly French speaking

“Canadiens” Upper Canada mainly English speaking

people

GEOGRAPHY OF UPPER AND LOWER CANADA

MAP OF UPPER & LOWER CANADA

Habitant: (French) tenant farmer; rent land; poor

Seigneur: (French) land owner; wealthy and powerful

Merchant: (English) business owner; fur & timber industry; wealthy and powerful

Professionals: (French & English) doctors, lawyers, etc.; middle class; seeking democracy

4 MAIN GROUPS IN LOWER CANADA:

Lower Canada wealthy seigneur and member of the Legislative Assembly

Had strong support of French land owning and political elite

Conservative- favored doing things traditional & slow way

Served as officer in militia by defending British North America from Americans during war of

1812 Elected speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada Became leader of the Parti Canadien political party

LOUIS-JOSEPH PAPINEAU

Governor-British appointed Legislative Council- English-speaking merchants

and seigneurs; friends of Governor; appointed not elected; veto power

Legislative Assembly voted by citizens Two political parties dominated- Chateau Clique,

Parti Canadien (Parti Patriote) Chateau Clique- Wealthy British and French who

supported British rule Parti Canadien- Wealthy and poor French- early

separatists

GOVERNMENT IN LOWER CANADA

GOVERNMENT IN UPPER & LOWER CANADA- CONSTITUTIONAL ACT, 1791

British merchants wanted to increase taxes for canals, harbors and roads for merchant use- few roads were built to help farmers

Increased immigration from Great Britain began to threaten French culture and language

1832, immigrant ship brought disease cholera, killed 5500 Legislative assembly(French-speaking) hard to make laws 1836, crops failed, Canadians face starvation 1837, economic depression, English merchants blamed

UNREST IN LOWER CANADA

British Army versus Patriote Army (Rebels) Began on November 23, 1837 at St. Denis; rebel

victory Rebels built a fortress at St. Charles to fight the British

but lost there and later at Saint-Eustache – Baker's Farm – Lacolle – Odelltown & Beauharnois

Pappineau fled to U.S After all the fighting 12 were hung 58 were sent to

Australia and 12 hundred were set free.

THE ARMED REBELLION IN LOWER CANADA

Pioneer homestead start from scratch and forced native inland

Most habitant were subsistence farmers meaning they only farm for their family

Life in towns was easier Town were hubs Town supplied a people with basic service Transportation mostly walking

LIFE IN UPPER CANADA

Lieutenant(British appointed) highest ranking

Legislative and Executive Council 2nd highest

Executive and Legislative dominated government business and social life

Legislative assembly (Elected by voters) 3rd highest

Had little power law has to be approved by council and Lieutenant

GOVERNMENT OF UPPER CANADA

Small group of powerful people in upper Canada As well as friends and supporters known as Tories Didn’t want US government to be part of

Canadian government Defended tradition Believed power should be in the hands of few

capable people (themselves) Believed Church of England should have power Loyal to Great Britain

FAMILY COMPACT

Opposed the power of family compact Wanted changes in government and society of upper

Canada Divided into moderate and radical groups. Robert Gourlay - plan to bring people from Britain to

farm in upper Canada William Lyon Mackenzie - 1824, established “the

colonial advocate” a newspaper that spoke out on land problems, power of family compact and question to who was a upper Canadian

Sir Francis Bond Head - Appointed Lieutenant - governor of Upper Canada in 1835, was Reformer for short period but rejected

WHO ARE THE REFORMERS AND WHAT DID THEY OPPOSE?

William Lyon Mackenzie turned people against government in Northern Toronto

Radicals wanted upper Canada like the American government

December 5 Mackenzie led 800 men down Yonge street in Toronto

In the United States Sir Francis bond head tried to raise an army to liberate upper Canada giving 120 hectares of land for whoever would join him

Caught for breaking legal neutrality between Canada and the US jail 11 months

ARMED REBELLION OF UPPER CANADA

Lower Canada became even worse than before the rebellion

Upper Canada afraid to speak out because moderate reformers were branded as rebels

Prime minister decided to send Lord Durham as governor general

AFTERMATH OF THE REBELLION

John George Lambton (Lord Durham) sent to Quebec City as governor general.

Suggested solutions for rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada.

Wrote “report on Affairs of British Canada” also known as Durham report

Named “Radical Jack” in British House of Commons because of radical policies.

Upper and Lower Canada unite and become one colony, called United Province of Canada - would unite English speaking people, would give them majority in gov’t

New colony should have responsible government - Local powers handled by colony: Imperial powers written, Governor advised by Executive Council only.

LORD DURHAM AND HIS REPORT

Aim: create single government, establish English as official language

Was first step toward Confederation Canada was split as Canada West (Upper

Canada) and Canada East (Lower Canada, Ontario)

In 1847, Lord Elgin became governor Executive Council/Cabinet got most power

and are responsible to Legislative Assembly Many members formed political parties to

achieve power. Nova Scotia:1847, New Brunswick: 1854,

Newfoundland:1855, Prince Edward Island: 1851. Received responsible gov’t in these years.

THE ACT OF UNION, 1841

THE ACT OF UNION, 1841

THE ACT OF UNION, 1841

PLANTING THE SEED OF NATIONHOOD 1815-

1855Why were some events in Canada’s history key in allowing us to become a nation?

WHO OCCUPIED EACH COLONY IN UPPER & LOWER CANADA?

Lower Canada

• Population increased from: 250 000 in 1806 to 717 000 in 1841•Very high birth rates among French speaking population•In addition British and American immigrants settled the eastern townships that had been set aside for English speaking farmers

Upper Canada

•Before 1812 loyalists settled upper Canada •After 1812 a wave of settlers from great Brittan took their place •Population Increased from: 71 000 in 1806 to 432 000 in 1841

Life in Lower Canada

Male ruling society 3 major groups- French Speaking Habitants, French

Speaking Professional Men, and English Speaking Merchants

The French scared of Adapting to the English way of life

Merchants were newcomers of lower Canada Wanted roads, and harbours-paid from government

taxes Professional Men well educated, wanted to lead the colonies Saw British as cultural threat formed a party called “ parti canadiens”

UPPER AND LOWER CANADA

3 main groups: French Speaking Habitants (Tenant Farmers) – Main Concern: Scarcity of

Land, Poverty, Fear of English Speaking new comers English Speaking Merchants (Rich, Powerful) – Main Concern:

Infrastructure French Speaking Professional Men (Newest “Group”) – Separate French/

Canadian nation

Life in Upper CanadaDaily Life in Upper Canada More fields were cleared in Upper Canada Villages began to grow in places that were not convenient for farmersKingston Developed as a British military for lake Ontario Was the largest and most important town in Upper Canada for many

yearsYork Queen’s rangers began clearing land to build a fort in 1793 In 1834, it was renamed Toronto

Services in the Towns By the 1840’s cities were installing sewer systems In the 1820’s and 1830’s started to establish volunteer fire

departments

Transportation Walking was often the safest and fastest way to get around Unpaved streets in towns were unpaved streets turned to mud

Louis-Joseph Papineau Strong supporter of the old French order in Lower Canada Served as a officer in the military defending British North America

during the war of 1812 Elected to be in the legislative assembly of Lower Canada in 1809 Leader of Parti Candien

Government of Lower Canada Established by Constitutional act in 1791 Power limited by governors and councils Members of legislative councils were voted in for life English concerns were usually different from French concerns The group which the most power was Chateau Clique Believed that power should be in hands of a few capable people Wanted the Roman Catholic church to stay power

Government of Upper Canada In 1830 government remained the same as the constitutional act in 1791 Two political groups the Torries and the Reformers Appointed Legislative council to Executive council Elected the Legislative Assembly

GOVERNMENT OF UPPER AND LOWER CANADA

French and English speaking merchants wanted different things for lower Canada

Merchants wanted to improve roads, canals and harbours Immigration caused problems Chateau Clique was encouraging immigration from great Britain In 1832 and immigrant ship brought a deadly disease, cholera The disease 5500 victims

THE UNREST IN LOWER CANADA

Lower Canada An armed conflict between lower Canada and the British Colonial,

power of that province The political leader was Joseph Papinea The Canadians were ready to fight on November 1837 British troops charged and the Rebellions lost The largest battle was held at St. Eustach on December 14, 1837 The Rebel leader, Dr. J.Q. Chenier along with rebels died The British robbed and burned their village

Upper Canada Rebellion against the British colonial government in 1837 and 1838 After the war of 1812 family compact owned most land “Crown

Reserves” and “Protestant Clergy” The lower Canada broke out in autumn 1837 Bond Head sent all

British troops to help suppress it Short Fight (less than 30 minutes) the battle finished and the rebel

forces retreated 1860’s former rebels compensated by the Canadian government

THE ARMED REBELLION IN UPPER AND LOWER CANADA

Upper Canada has an elite called Family Compact Was a small group of powerful people in the colony of upper Canada Along with friends and supporters were know as Tories Did not want Americans to be part of the government in Upper Canada Defended tradition (The things that had always been done) and opposed change Believed power should be in the hands of a few capable people (themselves) Believed the church of England should be powerful in the colony Were loyal to great Brittan and the British government They had power to stop any laws passed by the legislative assembly Most Family Compact members were British immigrants who arrived before the

1800’s

FAMILY COMPACT

What did they oppose? Opposed the power of the Family Compact Wanted changes in government and society of Upper Canada Divided into moderate and radical groups Included some radicals who later became rebels Robert Gurley (1778-1863) arrived in Upper Canada in 1817 His plan was to bring poor people to farm in New Britain He sent a questionnaire famers to see hoe their progress was He also asked them to name thing that prevented in their towns He criticized Family Compact

THE REFORMERS

Upper Canada was very short and disorganized London government was concerned about Rebellion Bond Head was recalled in 1837 he was replaced with Sir George

Arthur Lord Durham assigned to report grievances among the colonists

and find a way to appease them Lord Durham’s report led to the union of Upper and Lower

Canada into the province of Canada in 1840

AFTERMATH OF THE REBELLION

Two Major recommendations in his report are:1.The two colonies should become one called the United Province of

Canada2.The United Colony should have a responsible government The British imperial powers(?) should be sent out in writing. All other

legal power(?) Would be handled by the colonies Executive council and would be

advised The governor stayed neutral but signed things by the executive council The executive council was not picked from the government but was

chosen by leaders of other groups (legislative assembly) this is called “Responsible government”

Members of the executive council would stay in the council if half of the legislative assembly supports them

Personal Information 1792-1840 Arrived in Quebec city as a governor general of British north America in

1838 Interested in education the poor

LORD DURHAM’S REPORT

Since the Rebellion wanted a better and responsible government British passed a law called the Act of Union

British government acted on one of Lord Durham’s recommendations The act of union joined in Upper and Lower Canada as the united province The two aims of the British were to control the two colonies of Canada into

one and give the English people control of the newly named colony and to have a new colony with a responsible government

They also established English as the official language of government

THE ACT OF UNION (1841)

Copy down the following questions:

1.What was the Act of Union and how did it help to unite the Canada?

2.Who was Lord Durham? Why is he significant in Canadian History? How did his report help form the identity and culture of Canada?

3.Why was their unrest in Upper and Lower Canada? How did this unrest lead to the Rebellions of 1837-38?

4.What was the government in Upper Canada? What was the government in Lower Canada? Were they similar? Different? How so?

ASSIGNMENT

Key Events In Canadian History Which influenced The Nation We Have Today

REBELLIONSUPPER AND LOWER CANADA

1837 & 1838

Governance in the ColonyThe GovernorsLand IssueTransportation IssueSpecial Privileges for a few people

BACKGROUND TO THE ISSUE

Colony had elected Assembly representatives from each district

Made plans for colony needing approval of Governor & Councils

Executive & Legislative Councils appointed from ‘Upper Class’, & weren’t bound to follow wishes of the people

Real power was in the hand of the Governor & Councils, the people had no REAL influence

GOVERNANCE IN THE COLONY

British men appointed by English monarchUnfamiliar with local issues & conditionsDepended on the advice of their councilsUsually United Empire LoyalistsThey were wealthy & better educated so

better able to govern ordinary peopleAnglican (church) should have ‘position’

THE GOVERNORS

Best land given to Family Compact/friendsExec & Leg Councilors controlled 90% of land, not farmed,

would sell for a profit1/7 of land went to Anglican Church, not other religions

though (clergy reserves)New settlers received only poor,

uncleared farmland

LAND ISSUES

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Farmers needed roads to get to/from markets

Most were impassableGovt. collected taxes to build canals,

mainly used to benefit merchants & Family Compact/friends

Farmers felt govt. did not grant land/$ to them for land/tools

Bankers & merchants grew rich…

SPECIAL PRIVILEGES FOR A FEW

Governor appointed all officialsCouncils, judges, sheriffs, justice of peaceCoroners, customs officers, postal officials, immigration officers & Indian Affairs officials

As head of military he appointed 1500 officers

Made land grants & spent crown $ for pensions to friends

Good jobs to Family Compact & friends

LOWER CANADA (QUEBEC)

Louis-Joseph Papineau led the Patriots against the governor & the Chateau Clique, & loss of land to growing Anglophone population

Cultural conflict between French & English Cdns.Fr. dominated the Assembly, was controlled by the

Br. CouncilsCreated the 92 ResolutionsSome wanted USA Republic systemFall, 1837, armed revolt failed, vs. govt. & RC

church, again in 1838Papineau fled to USA, then France, returned &

Pardoned in 1845

William Lyon Mackenzie led the Reformers against the Family Compact

Did not support the Constitution Act of 1791 Believed in responsible govt. Demanded 2 constitutional reforms

Elected Legislative Council Executive council responsible to Assembly

Reformers were against Clergy Reserves, Land grants to the oligarchies, Influence of the Church of England Power of the Banks

UPPER CANADA (ONTARIO)

Protesting against the Oligarchies control

Desired a Responsible Government

Wanted less Church control

Assembly had to approve taxes or no collection would occur

Upper CanadaWilliam Lyon MackenzieThe ReformersVs. Family Compact

Lower CanadaLouis Joseph

PapineauThe PatriotsVs. Chateau Clique

REBELLIONS OF

CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION

Rebellion Losses Bill

Led to the Durham Report of the 1840’s

French Assimilation into English Canada

Act of Union unites the ‘two’ Canadas

Achievement of Responsible Government

Led to Confederation in the 1860’s

LORD DURHAM’S REPORT

Durham's Recommendations to unite Upper and Lower Canada

to make the French a minority to assimilate or anglicize the

French majority in Lower Canada

to grant responsible government Consequences of Durham's

Recommendations Upper and Lower Canada were

united in 1840 Responsible government was

granted in 1848 leading to Confederation in 1867

Created the roots of today’s French ‘separatism’

REBELLIONS LOSSES BILL 1849

Reformers controlled the Assembly, their bill

sought to compensate those in what had been Lower Canada for damages that resulted from the rebellions.

was controversial because the Tories objected that many of the claimants were former rebels who were against the Crown.

was well received by French Canadians, but British elements opposed it so strongly that they attacked Elgin and burned the parliament building down in Montreal

CONFEDERATION 1867 The Province of Canada, (Ontario &

Quebec) New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

A system based on British Parliament Proposed limited central government

balanced by provincial power. Rejected the strict application of "rep by

pop.“ the senate represented regions Called for a two-chamber (bicameral)

parliament, including a (appointed) senate and a (elected) house of commons.

OUR THESIS• If in the position of the Reformers or Patriots,

a reasonable citizen would support ‘no representation = no taxes’ since a true democracy must have the citizen’s power move up to the ‘elected’ govt. officials, not from appointed officials ‘down’ to the citizens.

• If every ‘democracy’ ignored their citizens and gave special privileges to a few, rebellion and civil war would surely follow.

• Given that the rebellions led to Confederation 1867, which spawned the nation we have today, the rebels did the right thing and definitely helped to create the model of democracy that Canada represents today.

REFERENCES ec.europa.eu/education/img/flags/canada.gif www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/h2/f1/nlc006838-v6.jpg upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/

Canada_upper_lower_map.PNG/800px-Canada_upper_lower_map.

PNGcanadawiki.org/images/d/d5/Simcoeuppercanada.jpg www.cmhg.gc.ca/.../med/v2_c4_s17_ss04_01.jpg www.rootsweb.com/~srgp/director/gleason.jpg www.westminster.gov.uk/.../celebrating21.jpg homepages.ius.edu/raastron/Pics/farmers.jpg www.lbpsb.qc.ca/~history/m4u3l1.htm www.freewebs.com/.../whatwaslowercanada.htm www.joyceimages.com/images/Bank%20Royal

%20Visit.JPG

Unknown author.The Canadas. Retrieved May 30, 2007 from the internet:

http://www.answers.com/topic/the-canadas Canada Revisited textbook-pages 130-174

BIBLIOGRAPHY

MANISHA BASSAN

EDITED BY: