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Lord Durham’s Report
After studying the Canadian uprisings in the 1837, Lord Durham concluded that Upper and Lower Canada should be merged and Canada should form its own responsible government. His report to the English government was the first step on the road to Confederation. -
Confederation of Canada
In 1867, the majority of the colonies in Canada joined together to form the Dominion of Canada. A constitution outlining the functions of the government was put in place. This was the beginning of Canada as a modern nation-state. -
Red River Rebellion and List of Metis Rights
At the time, Manitoba was known as Rupert's Land and belonged to the Hudson's Bay company, who intended on selling it to Canada. In the face of rights infringements, Louis Riel and the Metis took up arms, established a provisional government, and issued a list of rights. This event culminated in the Province of Manitoba joining Canada and the Metis receiving more recognition from the federal government. -
North-West Mounted Police
Due to high levels of lawlessness in the Canadian west, the government formed the North-West Mounted Police. Their effective policing allowed for settlers to move west safely; this police force was the precursor to the modern RCMP. -
Indian Act
In 1876, the government passed new laws defining the relationship between Canada and the First Nations. This included laws regarding reserves, treaty rights, residential schools, and conditions on rights.The Indian Act worsened the already-existing enmity between the First Nations and the government and is a source of continuing conflict to this day. -
National Policy
Sir John A. MacDonald and the Conservative Party promoted of the following ideas as the Official Opposition: a railroad spanning Canada, increased immigration to Canada and settlement in the west, and taxes to protect Canadian industries. These ideas would play a crucial role in developing Canada's sovereignty and unique culture. -
North West Uprising
Throughout the 1880s, the Canadian government continued to ignore Metis concerns and infringe their property rights. Louis Riel returned from exile to help write the Metis Bill of Rights. After it was ignored by the government, the Metis once again took up arms and began the North West Uprising. This conflict allowed the government to accelerate their agenda in the Canadian west; the uprising was crushed and Louis Riel was hanged for treason. -
Canadian Pacific Railway completed
In November 1885 - shortly after playing a prominent role in deploying Canadian troops to the North West Uprising - the Canadian Pacific Railway was finally completed. This marked a milestone in the Canadian government achieving domestic policy on a Canada-wide scale. -
Wilfrid Laurier elected
Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the first French-Canadian Prime Minister. His election marked a cultural change in Canada, given the historic marginalization of French Canadians. His tenure was defined by mass immigration, development of civilization, technological advancement, and economic prosperity. -
World War I
Canada entered WWI as a subordinate of Great Britain. Through serious troop contribution, immense sacrifice, and battlefield prowess - specifically at the Battle of Vimy Ridge - Canada established its reputation as an independent nation-state that could operate at the international level.
