History of Canada

John Cabot

Nov 12, 1497

Discovers Newfoundland

Jacques Cartier

Nov 12, 1534

First to explore the St. Lawrence River & lays claim to surrounding land for France; called the land “New France”.

Samuel de Champlain

Nov 12, 1608

Establishes 1st permanent French settlement in Canada—Quebec.

French and Indian War

Nov 12, 1754

Great Britain fought France for control of Canadian land & the fur trade and takes control of Quebec.

Treaty of Paris

Nov 12, 1763

Gave Britain control of all lands east of the Mississippi River, except for 2 islands.

Quebec Act

Nov 12, 1774

Guarantees the French the right to maintain their culture (language, religion, & traditions).

War of 1812

Nov 12, 1812

France and Great Britain work together against the US (who tried to invade Canada).

British/North American Act

Nov 12, 1867

Creates a federation union of Canada; 4 provinces were joined by 1 constitution – The Dominion of Canada.

Transcontinental Railroad

Nov 12, 1886

Increased travel from Canada’s east to west coast; created new provinces & territories; increased the shipment of goods across the country.

Statue of Westminister

Nov 12, 1931

Established Canada as a independent country but part of the Commonwealth of Nations

New Constitution

Nov 12, 1982

Canada becomes a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages.

Nunavut

Nov 12, 1999

Territory was created so that the Inuit could have their own land & government.

Yukon

Nov 12, 2014

Territory was established to meet the needs of the growing population from the gold rush.