Canada : Past and Present

Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area. Despite being the second largest country in terms of area, Canada is lightly populated. Canada was mainly ruled by the French and the British. From the 15^th century, British and French voyages discovered, put down claim to and exchange blows over the places and territories in Canada. It covers a vast area and weather varies from cold to hot according to the geographic area. It was discovered in 1534 by Jacques Cartier.

During an expedition in 1534, Jacques Cartier discovered the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and put the French Crown claim on the coast. After the Cartier’s reports, the French King made a decision to establish fortified settlements. Due to the internal politics, the French endeavor was delayed until 1941. Under the domination of Jean-François de La Rocque, sieur (lord) de Roberval, Cartier came back Stadacona and instituted Charlesbourg Royal which was north west of Quebec. Jacques Cartier was hopeful of finding valuable gems and mineral deposits, but the samples he sent back to France proved to be worthless. Due to this a common French phrase “false as a Canadian Diamond” came into life. After facing this disappointment Cartier returned to France deserting Roberval who arrived with reinforcements. After that, only two successive efforts were made for making the most of French claim of St Lawrence, though French claim remained until the British came.

In 1583, Humphrey Gilbert under the Royal privilege of Queen Elizabeth I founded St John’s Newfoundland as the earliest English colony in North America. The English also established other settlements in Newfoundland in 1610 and soon thirteen colonies were also founded in the south. From 1689 to 1763, the four wars exploded in the colonial North America. Afterwards wars comprised the North American stage of the Seven Year’s War.  Nova Scotia and Mainland were under British rule in 1713 in the treaty of Utrecht. After the Seven Year’s War, in 1763 most of Canada and New France were under the British rule. The American war of Independence also had impact on the Canadian land.

Due to the US war of independence, many settlers who fought against the American Independence migrated to Canada where their arrival changed the demographics of the country. The demographics of many territories were altered. In 1812, during the war between United States and United Kingdom, The Canadas were the main front. However, peace returned in 1815 and borders remained unchanged.   From 1815 to 1850, over 0.9 million refugees emigrated from Britain. The expatriates included the ones escaping the Great Irish Famine and Gaelic speaking Scots who were displaced by Highland Clearances. Many refugees died of diseases during this period that migrated to Canada.

After the subsequent constitutional symposiums, the Constitution Act authoritatively declared Canadian Confederation on July 1^st, 1867. Primarily it had four provinces namely Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Brunswick. Later, Canada was able to take control of other territories too. In the early twentieth century, British still controlled the foreign affairs of Canada under the Constitution Act of 1867. When Britain entered the World War I, Canada was automatically dragged into the World War I. More than 600,000 Canadians served in World War I and roughly 60,000 of them were killed and around 170,000 or more were injured. 

In 1919, Canada joined the League of Nations autonomously of Britain and Statute of Westminster 1931 avowed Canada’s independence. During the time of Great Depression in 1930s, Canada faced the economic recession which increased it’s the hardships. In 1939, the first unit of Canada arrived in Britain. During the period of World War II, almost a million Canadians participated and more or less 42,000 were killed and some 55,000 were injured. The Canadian troops fought bravely and played key roles in many battles.

Today, Canada is composed of ten provinces and three territories. Canada is a most famous and peaceful country in the world. It has a strong military and defense capability. Economically, Canada is a very well-built country and is one the leading economic power in the world. Canada ranks number 10 in the economic powers of the world. Canada is also spending funds in science and technology and it is well respected globally in this field. It has produced 13 Nobel laureates in the field of science. Canada was graded number four in the scientific research quality. The Canadian Space Agency is operating actively and is running space research programs. Canada is a beautiful country; the most famous place is the Niagara Falls which is located between the borders of Canada and USA. The present Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau is one of the most popular and loved leaders in the world. Indeed Canadians are great and awe-inspiring people.

We hope you liked the article, comment below to let us know about your thoughts.