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Sir Clifford Sifton Settling the West
Canada's population wasn't growing and most immigrants to North America were going to the US. It was time to move more people into western Canada. Sifton sought farmers from eastern and central Europe, but Americans were preferred. Recruitment agencies and advertisements wee put up in both Europe and America to attract immigrants to Canada. This event is significant to Canadian history because it helped Canada's population grow to two million in the first decade of the 20th Century. -
The Battle of Ypres
The German line had been broken through and a bulge was present that the Canadians were sent to maintain. This battle was the first time gas was used in World War One. This is important to Canadian history because it was the first Canadian action in WWI, they held off many German attempts to break through the bulge. -
The Battle of the Somme
Less than half an hour int the battle, 57 470 British soldiers were killed. The Canadians were able to take over the city eventually. This is important to Canadian history because we were able to do take a factory and two trenches, which the British coudln't do. -
Vimy Ridge
The British and the French were trying to take the 7km ridge, but they couldn't, so the Canadians were put to the test. Canada was able to overcome fierce opposition, taking out machine gun positions in close combat. This is important to Canadian history because Canada did what Britain and France couldn't. Vimy Ridge is a symbol of the sacrifice of a young country. -
Winnipeg General Strike
Employer/employee relations in 1919 were hostile. The Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council (WTLC) wanted better pay and working conditions for it's members, but management refused to recognize them so they called for a general strike. This is important to Canadian history because it showed that we won't take no for an answer, and we will not just let people push us around. -
The Person's Case
Women were not considered as "persons" under the British North America Act. Five women challenged the constitution. After a loss in 1927, they came back and the decision was overturned in 1929. The Persons Case allowed women to become appointed to the senate to Canada. This is important to Canadian history because it showed that Canada's women are just as powerful and important as Canada's men. -
The Statute of Westminster
The Statute of Westminster declared that Canada had the right to make its own laws without the input of Britain. This is important to Canadian history because through it, Canada became independent. -
On to Ottawa Trek
During the depression, relief camps were set up to help struggling men find jobs, food and shelter. The conditions in the camps were so bad, 1,500 men from British Columbia left to protest. They went to Vancouver, but the mayor said that nothing could be done, so he gave money to address the problem in Ottawa. Over 1000 men tried to get to Ottawa, and many joined them on their way. This is important to Canadia because it shows that when we aren't treated right, we will do something about it. -
The Battle of Hong Kong
The day after Pearl Harbor, Japan attacked Hong Kong. The Japanese dominated the Eastern side of the island very quickly, and the colony was surrendered. The Japanese massacred and tortured many people. This is important to Canadian history because it was their first action in World War Two. -
The Dieppe Raid
The raid was split into three flanks. On the East, the attack was delayed becayse German troops engaged them in the water. On the West, the attack was successful until they reached the city, and resistance was met. The raid is seen as both a success and a failure because the attack itself was a failure, but the lessons learned helped Canada and the rest of the Allies defeat Nazi Germany on D-Day. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that even when we fail, we can learn from it. -
D-Day
14,000 Canadians stormed the five mile wide beach. They were the only invading force to achieve the initial objectives. It was a matter of time before the Nazis would be on the run. This is important to Canadian history because they did something no one else did on the very first day of the attack. -
The Formation of NATO
NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is a military alliance that was formed so the ideals of freedom and democracy will be protected. If anyone attacks a member state, the others are committed to protect that country. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that Canada is a kind and friendly nation. -
The Richard Riot
During a hockey game on March 13, 1955, Maurice "The Rocket" Richard punched out a linesman. He was suspended for the rest of the season. The Commissioner of the NHL went to a game on the 15th. People threw garbage at him for the whole game, and he called it off. A riot ensued in the streets. This is important to Canadian history because it showed how much Canadians care about something, they will be very protective. -
Trudeaumania
Pierre Trudeau was a very popular politician. When he became Prime Minister, he was loved by everyone. He was French-Speaking and English-Speaking and he supported everyone's views. He was very intelligent and charismatic. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that when there is a Prime Minister that is smart and charming, people will instantly love them. -
The October Crisis
The FLQ (Front du Liberation de Quebec) kidnapped James Cross, a British trade commissioner, and five days later they did the same to Pierre Laporte, the Minister of Labour for Quebec. They wanted to promote the idea of an independent Quebec. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau put the War Measures Act into effect. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that when a crisis happens, we can make an informed decision on what to do about it. -
The Summit Series
In 1972, Canada had a series of eight hockey games against Russia. They had three losses, four wins and a tie, and thus won a the series. It became a symbol for democracy against communism. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that we can triumph in war and in sports, and that we are all very proud citizens. -
Official Languages Act
The Official Languages Act states that French is the official language of Quebec. Only French could be on commercial signs, French was the language of business and they limited attendance at English schools.This is important to Canadian history because it shows our diversity. -
The Canadian Caper
Between November 1979 and January 1981, a group of Islamic students took over the American Embassy in Iran. They took 66 hostages and held 52 of them for 444 days. Ken Taylor, the Canadian ambassador, helped six Americans escape by getting them Canadian passports. He helped them navigate their way through the airport and onto an early morning flight to Frankfurt. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that we are brave in times of danger. -
The Marathon of Hope
Terry Fox started to raise money for cancer by running cross Canada in April of 1980. He began in St. John's Newfoundland, and planned to make it to Vancouver, British Columbia. However, he only made it to Thunder Bay, Ontario, when he found out his cancer had spread to his lungs. He raised $1.7 million on his own. This is important to Canadian history because it shows how when faced with a problem or a barrier, Canadians can push through and triumph. -
The Patriation of the Constitution
Patriation means to bring home. Even though Canada had independence from Britain, the constitution could only be changed by the British Parliament. Prime Minister Trudeay saw the Referendum in 1980 as an opportunity to patriate the constitution. Although Quebec was left out of the vote for the constitution to come home, it was put into effect. This is important to Canadian history because it shows that we can be completely independent, and we don't need Britain's help to be a successful country.
