Consequences of events

Historical significance is the process used to evaluate what was significant about selected events, people, and developments in the past. Historians use different sets of criteria to help them make judgements about significance. One of the criteria historians use is assessing the short- and long-term impacts and consequences of events.

In this learning activity, you will be exploring challenges and conflicts that occurred between diverse groups of people in Canada. Predict what some of the short- and long-term consequences of these conflicts might be. What do you think qualifies as a short-term versus a long-term consequence?

Press Hint to access a possible answer.

Hint

Record a list of ideas orally, digitally, in print, or in a method of your choice.

Introduction

Throughout the following learning tasks, you will learn about a few significant conflicts that occurred between 1713 and 1800. These conflicts and challenges played a pivotal role in the formation of Canada as we know it today. Please note that Canada was referred to as British North America during this time period.

Task 1: The Seven Years’ War (1756-1763)

In 1754 the British and French in Canada had rising tensions. The British had been planning prolonged attacks on the French, and as the French learned of these attacks, they were sending military to different forts across Canada. At the same time in Europe, Prussia (a major state of Germany) and Austria also had rising tensions. The British sent troops to Prussia and the French allied with Austria.

In 1756, the commander of the French, Marquis de Montcalm, arrived in New France and captured Fort Oswego, which gave him control of the Great Lakes. A month later, British declared war on the French. While the British continued to send thousands of troops into New France, the French did not. Therefore, the French victories began to slowly decline. Throughout this time, Indigenous communities became allies with the French to bring down British forces.

Troops fighting against each other during a war. Image shows both sides facing each other ready to begin fighting.

In 1758, the tides turned, and the French were no longer victorious. Britain launched attacks on French posts, specifically Fort Louisbourg and Fort Frontenac (modern-day Kingston, Ontario,) which forced the French to abandon post and opened the St. Lawrence River to British ships. Indigenous allies started to back away as they signed peace treaties with the British. In 1759, the British, led by Major James Wolfe, attacked Quebec on the Plains of Abraham. Strong British naval presence in the St. Lawrence River cut off the city at Montreal and forced the French army to fight. In this battle, the British commander (Wolfe) and French commander (Montcalm) both died early. Eventually the French retreated and signed over the city to the British.

Examine the following maps. What differences do you notice between the map showing North America before 1754 (before Seven Years’ War) and after? What has changed?

Two maps of North America at 2 different periods of time. The first map is North America before 1754. In this map the English occupy the upper parts of modern-day Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, half of the Prairies (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) and parts of Nunavut around the Hudson Bay. They also occupy most of the eastern coast of the USA and lower parts of the Maritimes (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia). The French occupied the lower parts of modern-day Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec (around the great lakes and St. Lawrence River). As well as most of modern-day USA. The Spanish occupied most of the lower part of the USA and all of Mexico. The Russians occupied the coastal area of Alaska and Yukon. Much of modern-day British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, and upper west coast of the USA have yet to be explored by European settlers at this time. The second map is North America after 1763. In this map the English occupy modern-day Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick), lower parts of Saskatchewan and Nunavut and all of the eastern coast of the USA up until around where the great lakes end. The French do not occupy any land in North America. The Spanish occupy most of the inland of modern-day USA starting from the Mississippi River and most of the west coast of the USA. They also occupy all of modern-day Mexico. The Russians occupied the west coastal regions of modern-day Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia. Much of modern-day British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, and a pocket of the upper west coast of the USA have yet to be explored by European settlers at this time.

Although Britain gained a lot of control, they were in massive debt due to all of the money they used to create their military force. In 1769, New France (now Canada) was given to the British from the French. However, it was already impoverished by Britain. The size and location of New France made is almost impossible to defend and maintain. The Seven Years' War was a crucial turning point in Canadian history. It led to the American Revolution in 1775, which further influenced Canadian identity and boundaries. The war also changed the relationship between the British and Indigenous peoples living in what would become Canada.

Complete the following graphic organizer called The Seven Years' War Perspectives, highlighting the perspective of each group involved in the Seven Years' War in Canada. You may wish to conduct additional research to help you complete each perspective.

Complete the Seven Years' War Perspectives in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Task 2: Pontiac Resistance (1763)

At the end of the Seven Years’ War, conflict emerged between First Nations and the British government. After the war, the French were forced to give up their land to the British. First Nations groups historically had positive relationships with French settlers prior to this, and they did not like the way the British government was trying to govern them. The British often used force against First Nations communities and did not respect their traditions or customs. For example, the British government restricted the First Nations' ability to trade, and they refused to provide arms to the First Nations, which negatively impacted their ability to hunt. These actions provoked distrust and hostility among First Nations communities, who worked together to resist the British from taking over their lands any further.

In May 1763, Chief Obwandiyag (Pontiac) of the Ottawa Nation led an attack on Fort Detroit, attempting to take it back from the British, who successfully defended it against the siege. Support for Pontiac increased among a variety of Indigenous Peoples, and the size of his force tripled. They continued to attack British settlements and military outposts.

They managed to capture eight out of 11 British forts in the Ohio Valley. In July of 1766, Pontiac and the British government negotiated an end to the war. Pontiac’s acceptance of peace set his former allies against him and he was banished from his own village. A few years later, in 1769, Pontiac was assassinated. Pontiac’s War was seen as one of the most successful First Nations resistances to the European invasion in history. Though it failed to remove the British from First Nations lands, the conflict forced British authorities to recognize First Nations land rights. The recognition of First Nations land rights was then included in the Royal Proclamation and is the basis of First Nations land claims to this day.

Reflection

Please record your answers in a method of your choosing.

1. What was the cause of the Pontiac Resistance in 1763?
2. What short- and long-term consequences did this resistance have in Canada?
3. How did the British and French differ in their relationship with First Nations communities?

Task 3: Inquiry

Press ‘Inquiry’ to access more instruction for your next task.

Inquiry

Choose one of the following conflicts that occurred in Canada between 1713 and 1800 to inquire about. Follow the steps of the inquiry process to help you research and gather information. Begin by exploring virtual museums, encyclopedias, and government websites.

• American Revolution
• Imperial Rivalries
• Expulsion of Acadians
• Battle of the Plains of Abraham

Reflect on how the conflict you chose to research impacted the formation of Canada as we know it today.

When you are done with your research, create a presentation in a method of your choice about the conflict that you chose.

Task 1: Consequences

Consider the conflicts that you explored today that affected Canada between 1713 and 1800. Explore each of the following statements and identify them as a short- or long-term consequence.

Please select the correct answer.

Task 2: Historical significance

Evaluate the historical significance of the Seven Years' War and Pontiac's War. How did the conflicts impact the diverse groups involved? How did these events impact the formation of Canada as we know it today? Please record your ideas in a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.