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Period: Oct 18, 1500 to
Economy and Development of Quebec
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Oct 25, 1500
The Barter System
The Barter System was used by the First Nations People. It is based on trading goods. The Amerindians only traded for what they needed because the goods were transported great distances -
Oct 25, 1500
Means of Transportation
During the early 16th century, the means of transportation were walking, snowshoes and canoes. -
Oct 26, 1500
European Exploration
In 1497, John Cabot arrives in Newfoundland. During this period, the majority of Europeans were Catholics and abstained from meat for religious reasons, sometimes over 100 days a year. During these days, fish becomes a very popular protein. The Europeans quickly took control of the waters on the Eastern Coast. During the 16th century, boats came from Spain, England and France. -
Oct 26, 1502
The Fisheries
The Europeans used two cod-preserving techniques: Dried fish and Green fish. The dried fish was dried by the sun and wind. The Green fish was preserved in salt. The fishers had to set up camps along the shore in order to prepare the fish. This caused the first interactions with the Amerindians. European objects like metal tools, beads, mirrors and textiles were introduced to the Amerindians. They began to circulate them on their trade markets in exchange for furs, which the Europeans valued. -
Oct 25, 1503
Significance of Trade
In the 1500s, the Native's had no desire to accumulate wealth and make a profit. Trade was essential to building and maintaining relationships between nations. It was also a way to pay war tributes, formalize meetings between chiefs, and help peace negotiations. -
Oct 26, 1580
North America's Role in the European Economy
In the late 1500s, Europeans realized how high of a value beaver pelts had in Europe. The furs became a second source of profit for them, after the fish. The King let merchants and shipowners invest money in order to build a trading post in the colony. -
Slash and Burn Agriculture
The vegetation on a piece of land was cut down then burnt. The land was then ready to be cultivated because in burning the vegetation, the nutrients needed for farming went into the ground. -
Commerce and Exploitation
During the 17th century, the French sent many expeditions around the Great Lakes and along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. They built trading posts and forts along the main waterways. These posts served as warehouses, trade sites and military bases. Jean Talon was in favour of this expansion because it guaranteed French domination of the fur trade. -
Commercial and Craft Activities
Beginning in the 17th century, crafts people first settled in the cities. As the population grew, a rural market developed. In the cities, a wider range of occupations emerged, such as wigmaker, gold and silversmiths and coppers. In the 18th century, merchants began to settle in rural areas. Their stores offered a variety of products imported from Europe. Agricultural products that the merchants received as a payment were often sent to the cities. -
Charter Company System
From 1601 to 1627 monopolies on the fur trade followed each other. Fur trade didn't require a lot of workers, so only a handful of people settled in the colony. The state wanted the monopoly holders to settle, so they made it a requirement to populate the St Lawrence River. -
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is based on a country's accumulation of gold and silver. It is achieved by colonizing a region rich in resources. The mother country gets them in the colony then sends them back to their country to be changed into products. They are then sold back to the colony, making a profit for the mother country. To increase a demand for these products, production within the colony was restricted. -
Company of 100 Associates
This company consisted of one hundred shareholders who invested to start the company. Each shareholder got a share of the profits from the fur trade. The company was required to populate and manage the colony. The company struggled because England sunk one of their ships because they were at war with the French. They never fully recovered after this. -
Triangular Trade
Canada traded its resources with the French colonies because of mercantilism. They traded with the Antilles and France, their mother country. -
King Louis XIV
He began his reign in 1661. In 1663, he dissolved the Company of 100 Associates and replaced them with crown corporations so he could gain control of economic activities and assert territorial claims. This system ended in 1674. -
Alliances and Rivalries
Fur trade was built on the collaboration between the French and Amerindians. They traded goods and furs and information and military assistance. The French were allied with the Algonquians and enemies with the Iroquoians. After the Algonquians were defeated by the Iroquoians in a war, the French and Iroquois entered a peace treaty from 1667-1680. During this period, the Coureurs des Bois explored the Great Lakes in search of less expensive furs. -
Hudson's Bay Company
In 1659, Radisson and Groseillier, two Coureurs des Bois, went to Hudson's Bay to trade with a group of Aboriginals that they knew well. They returned with detailed information and high-quality furs. They turned to the King of France but he did not want to finance a commercial expedition. So they went to the English crown who funded a maritime expedition in 1668. This is how the Hudson's Bay Company was created in 1670. -
Diversified Economic Activities
Fur remained one the main products exported by New France. Agriculture, shipbuilding, ironworks, commerce and craft activities developed. Agriculture was the economic activity in which the largest number of people were involved. The land was organized in the seigneurial system. Most of the land granted was located along the St Lawrence River. Jean Talon distributes some weaving looms and encouraged the growing of linen and hemp. -
Shipbuilding and Ironworks
The French state encouraged and subsidized the shipbuilding and ironworks sectors. In 1738, a royal navy shipyard was established in Quebec City. The Naval industry led to the creation of other industries related to boats. The Three Rivers area was the basis for the establishment of the Saint-Mauricie ironworks. The creation of ironworks led to related industries, like wood stoves, cooking pots and ploughing equipment. -
North West Company
At the beginning of the British Rule, fur trade falls into possession of the British. In 1783, the North West Company is created to compete in the competitive trade. In 1821, this company merges with the Hudson's Bay Company. At the beginning of the 19th century, there was a decline in the fur trade. -
Economic Policies
The Corn Laws were passed in the early 19th century, encouraging the growing and export of wheat. The Corn Laws were based on a protectionist policy that had tariffs to protect the local markets. As of 1846, Britain switches to Free Trade policies. -
Economy Based on Timber
In 1806, Napoleon, sets up a naval blockade and a continental embargo preventing Britain's access to timber. This increased their demand. In 1817, the Bank of Montreal was created, allowing access to credit and investment. The colony turned to an economy based on timber, opening up new jobs, and developing new means of transportation. The economy based on timber led to the colonization of new regions like Saguenay. -
Free Trade
Free Trade is an economic system in which customs and duties on trading are partially or entirely abolished between participating countries. The abolition of protectionism drove the colonies to diversify their markets and find new trading partners. British North America now needs to find new markets. They shift to the United States -
Reciprocity Treaty
The Treaty of Reciprocity removes all customs and duties between the US and British North America. This provides access to a large market. According to this treaty, raw materials or primarily manufactured products could be traded between the countries without customs or duties. -
First Phase of Industrialization
Quebec experiences a change from the old style cottage industry to factory production. A need for cheap, unskilled labour to mass produce goods quickly for a low cost developed. People moving from rural areas and European immigrants provided plenty of cheap labour. The first industries were powered by coal and steam engines. The New Dominion of Canada provided and enlarged internal market and the National Policy protected industries from foreign competition. -
Economic Factors Related to Confederation
In 1867, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario join to for the Dominion of Canada. They unite for four economic reasons. First, because Great Britain abandoned its protectionist policies and adopted free trade. Second, because of the first phase of industrialization which strengthens ties between the colonies. Third, to discourage the expansion of the US territory. Finally, because in 1866, the US cancelled the reciprocity treaty. -
Economic Organization in the Dominion
The federal government was responsible for money and banking, regulation of trade and commerce and export. The provincial governments were in charge of economic development, commercial licenses, administration and sale of public land and direct taxation. They shared the task of exploitation and export of natural resources, agriculture and immigration. The centre of the Dominion's economy was the railway. -
Urbanization
Working class neighbourhoods were created close to factories. Living conditions were often bad. Most dwelling were made of wood and did not have running water, electricity and toilets. New regions were colonized because of an overpopulation on farms. These regions include: Saguenay, Mauricie, Outaouais and Laurentides. Because of this rural exodus, suburbs are developed. -
The National Policy
John A. MacDonald's National Policy had three main points. First, it aimed to increase the customs and duties, returning to a protectionist policy. Second, he wanted the railway, that would run from coast to coast, to be built. Last, he wanted people to immigrate towards Western Canada. Some obstacles with the railway included: labor shortage, uneven terrain and disputes with the FNP's. The railway was done in 1885. -
Manufacturers Act
This act contains clauses which provided protection of the health and security of workers. It establishes a minimum age for factory work. This age is 12 for boys and 14 for girls. It also sets a limit of work hours a week. For men it is 72.5 hours a week and for women it is 60 hours. In 1921, in order to counter the influence of foreign unions, the Catholic Church decided to support the establishment of the Confederation of National Trade Unions. -
Development of the Dairy Industry
Dairy production was the agricultural sector that experienced the greatest progress after 1880. Farmers produced milk, butter, cheese and cream. In 1890, more than 80 percent of cheese production was intended for export, whereas butter was mainly sold in the local market. To support the growth in the dairy industry the government encouraged the establishment of specialized school in areas like St Denis. -
The Second Phase of Industrialization
The second phase was primarily characterized by the quick expansion of industrial sectors which had developed due to new energy sources: hydroelectricity and oil. In order for Canadian companies to compete with American and British companies, they had to lower their production costs by establishing themselves close to energy sources. The railway also limited production costs. -
Three Conditions for Industrialization
The cultivation of wheat expands in the West. During this period, wheat becomes the primary export which leads to the growth of areas in the East like Montreal. During the 20th century, the government tries to support industrial development by attracting foreign investors. The investors enjoyed privileges. During the First World War, Canada becomes a major supplier for the allied troops, developing sectors and leading to the modernization of factories. -
Exploitation of New Resources
During the second phase of industrial development, hydroelectricity become a new source of energy, the pulp and paper industry grows because of increasing American demand, and zinc, copper, nickel, gold asbestos and cobalt mines are developed leading to the colonization of the Abitibi region along with Côte Nord and Gaspesie. -
Electricity
In the cities, electricity powered street car networks are developed. Urban transportation becomes more accessible, while costs decreased. This means people no longer need to live near work. Cities slowly develop on the surrounding agricultural land. Electricity offers comfort to wealthy residents. -
Workers Demand
Starting in 1921 with the CTCC (Confederation des Travailleurs Catholiques du Canada), unions are developed to demand better working and living conditions for the workers. They use strikes and lockouts. In 1960, the CTCC becomes the CSN (Confederation des Syndicats Nationaux). Unions like the FTQ and CSQ are also created. -
Government Solutions
The government starts public works projects in order to boost the economy. Works camps are created, along with direct aid and encouraged farming. With the start of the Second World War, there is a shift to war economy opening up new jobs. From 1927 to 1937, the provincial and federal governments also introduce things such as Old Age Pensions, Unemployment Relief Assistance and the Programme de Secours Directs. -
The Great Depression and Stock Market Crash
On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed. The cause of the depression and stock market crash was a chain of events. First, there was an overproduction and accumulation of products. This caused a fall of prices, so investors lost confidence. The stock values decline, causing the companies to stop making profits. A production decline causes a layoff of workers resulting in a weak consumer purchase. The effects of the stock market crash were felt for almost a decade. -
Impact of the Second World War
The National Resources Mobilization Act in 1940 regulated the supply of certain products necessary for war production and raised taxes. Victory Loan Bonds were invented. By contributing to this program, consumers could earn profits on their savings while lending money to the government which invested in the war effort. In Quebec, a rapid expansion was seen in textiles, food processing and iron and steel. -
Social Changes and Mass Consumption
After World War II, the tertiary sector developed. The employees of this sector were increasingly in number unionized. As a result they could take advantage of social benefits such as: one to two weeks of paid vacation per year, 40 hour work weeks, overtime pay, health insurance and pension funds. -
Quiet Revolution
The Quiet Revolution causes political, social, cultural and economic changes. With it, Quebec becomes a welfare state. The government pumps funds into the economy and enhanced the purchasing power of consumers, while also creating jobs. -
Economic Nationalism
Fear of American Imperialism leads to new economic nationalism. In 1962, most of the private electricity companies were bought by the Quebec government. They were all put together to form Hydro-Quebec. The company quickly played an important role in the province's economic development. Other things that were nationalized include the SGF (Societe Generale de Financement), the Montreal Metro, the SOQUEM, the Daniel Johnson Dam and the SOQUIP. -
Recessions and Recoveries since the 1980s
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries decided to curb oil production and raise their prices, causing an economic slow down in the Western World. The ensuing increase in transportation costs was accompanied by a general rise in the price of goods. -
Free Trade
In 1989, Canada and the US enter a free trade agreement called CUSFTA. In 1994, Mexico was added to this agreement that was renamed NAFTA.
