The Seven Years’ War (also known as the French and Indian War) was a crucial turning point in Canadian history. The Battle of the Plans of Abraham is a pivotal war fought during the Seven Year’s War. It is one of the most famous battles ever fought on Canadian land. The battle between France and Britain in the Conquest of Quebec and thus the conquest of Canada. It happened near the St. Lawrence River (Beauport) near Quebec, on Sep 13, 1759. British strategy in Canada during the French and Indian War was to capture the major French fortresses one by one. At the time of the battle, the only strongholds left for the French were in Quebec and Montreal. By late summer of 1759, Quebec, the major centre of French power in Canada was soon to be attacked by the British. Wolfe commanded the British, whereas Montcalm commanded the French. About 1300 men were killed during The Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Both Montcalm and Wolfe died during the battle. The battle on …show more content…
the Plains of Abraham is important in Canadian history as it marked the beginning of the end of French influence in North America.
The British came into control of all of Canada, and they have remained so ever since. The battle also signalled the end of First Nations control over their own land. Quebec surrendered on Sep 18, 1760. Thus, the Seven Year’s War ended with the Treaty of Paris signed in 1763. The French left Canada and it became part of the British Empire. In February 2009, a planned and announced re-enactment of The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was cancelled due to major safety and security concerns. The decision was taken by the National Battlefields Commission after some Quebec extremists found the re-enactment offensive and thought of it as an insult to their ancestors, who were defeated by the British 250 years ago. I personally believe that the re-enactment of the Battle should not have been cancelled. Quebec separatists need to
accept the fact that English won the Battle and did defeat French. The re-enactment is in no way humiliating the separatists and they should not call the celebrations “federal propaganda.” Bourgeois, head of the Réseau de résistance du Québécois said, “Featuring the descendants of Wolfe and Montcalm shaking hands amicably on the battlefield is an attempt to whitewash history to promote federalism.” They extremists believe that the federal government is celebrating their defeat. They see the re-enactment as a demonstration of humiliation and provocative propaganda. The purpose of a battle re-enactment is not to humiliate or offend someone; rather, it is to commemorate the war dead to make us realize the hardships they went through to allow us to freely live in an independent state. I understand the sovereigntist point of view that people shouldn't be celebrating their defeat. But, first of all they need to remember that they are not French anymore. They are Quebecois. The defeat in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was the defeat of French people living in North America, not of the Quebecois. The Quebecois nation arose out of generations of French Canadians, who after having lost their vital link with France, constructed their own identity. For Quebecois to be able to re-enact this battle with no protests and tension would be a strong demonstration of maturity as it proves that they have moved beyond the bitterness of defeat. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham is not the only battle in the world that is recreated. There are several Battles including the Battle of' Gettysburg and Waterloo that are re-enacted annually. The National Battlefields Commission took a wrong decision by cancelling the re-enactment of the Battle. They should have gone through the event without giving up on the sovereigntists. But on the other, we should also consider that the Battlefield Commission dutifully cancelled the re-enactment to avoid offending anyone. The re-enactment had to be cancelled to prevent another war.
In the 17th century, before the Seven Years’ War, the common soldier was just an unpaid citizen who fought for the local militia with his own weapon, but the Seven Years’ War totally changed in military system. The Seven Years’ War was very significant because it forced all of the European countries to focus less on commerce and more territory. This new shift in focus is what caused Britain to send so many more troops to America; the British politicians believed it was vital to militarize their colonies like America, West Africa, and Asia. This is because they believed that soldiers could acquire and defend new territories, as well as build important structures as a cheap
The years since the Battle of Vimy Ridge may have passed quickly, but the legacy of the Canadians whose accomplishments were great in that pivotal First World War battle lives on. Many people claim to this day that Canada came of age as a country on those hard April days in 1917. At first, through the meticulous planning of the battle, the world saw a nation capable of working together and making decisions as a team. Afterwards, with the range of technical and tactical innovations involved in the attack, the world saw a strong nation unafraid to protect and defend. In the end, through great sacrifice the world bore witness to the birth of the Canadian legacy. To conclude that the nation was born on April 9th 1917, on the Artois plains is to deny over three centuries of history during which the ancestors of millions of Canadians devoted their lives to building the country. This is why the Battle of Vimy Ridge wasn’t the birth of Canada itself, but the birth of our legacy- the ‘true’ origin of our nation.
It was once stated by F.R.Scott “ There are two miracles in canadian history. The first is the survival of French Canada, and the second is the survival of Canada.” His quote came to reality as of Canada grew to be a stable and secure country where everyone would want to be. Yet to accomplish this, many obstacles and events occurred such as the Spanish Succession war in 1713 , the seven years war in 1763, the constitutional act in 1791 and finally the Act of Union in 1841. First in 1713, the Spanish Succession war occurred where the British took control of Acadia. Soon after that, in 1763 the Seven Years War ended where the British took over New France and was later renamed British North America. Before the British most of the colonies were
One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer viewed their soldiers as merely an extension of allied forces; they now viewed their troops as an independent and unified entity.
Pre-World War One, Canada was looked upon not only by foreigners, but also by Canadians, as being just a British Colony.
A century ago, Canada was under control by the British Empire. The battles we fought the treaties we signed and the disputes we solved all helped us gain independence from our mother country “Britain”. Canadians fought a long battle protecting others, and from these battles we gained our peaceful reputation and our independence from Britain. Canada became a nation on July, 1st 1867. Although we were an independent country, our affairs and treaties were all still signed by Britain.
Contrary to what any believe, the Battle of Vimy Ridge was more than “another bloodshed” to Canada as a nation. This battle confirmed Canada’s eligibility to participate on the world stage and that they are not to be trifled with by other nations. The accomplishments of the Canadian army brought respect from other countries to Canada. The Canadian army gained confidence in themselves after the victory at the battle Vimy Ridge The Battle of Vimy Ridge was significant to the growth of Canada as a nation.
The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that lit the explosion of World War I. Uneasy tensions that had been boiling beneath the surface of Europe for many years soon erupted and with that several alliances that were formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; via their colonies, the conflict advanced rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the countries neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. Upon this Britain requested that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada were to fight on its behalf. Canada’s involvement in the War changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right the self govern and opening a gap between the French and English-speaking populations. Canadian's were a great asset in WW1, and it marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared a war between Canada and Germany.
The American Revolution and Nova Scotia Reconsidered by George A. Rawlyk discuss the impact the American Revolution had on Nova Scotia. Due to the Seven Years’ War, there were many settlements in the Bay of Fundy. Most settlers were from New England. The settlements were due to the fertile land left by the Acadians after their exile in 1755.
From 1754 to 1763, the French and Indian War took place. This war altered the political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies. It was the last of four North American wars waged from 1689 to 1763 between the British and the French. In these struggles, each country fought for control of the continent with the assistance of Native American and colonial allies. The French and Indian War occurred to end the land dispute between the British and French. Whoever won, in reality, gained an empire. It was a determined and eventually successful attempt by the British to get a dominant position in North America, the West Indies, and the subcontinent of India. Although Britain had won all this land, political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies were totally annihilated.
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
The Seven Years War, or sometimes referred to as the French and Indian war, took place in the year 1754 and finally came to a conclusion in 1763, just prior to the American Revolution. The French and Indian war is often a war that’s importance is overlooked throughout the history of America. The French and Indian war set the stage for the George Washington to become the most important American figure in history. The events and battles of the Seven Years War would lead the colonist to helping the British defeat the French and their counterparts, the Native Americans. What took place during the Seven Years War would affect the colonist forever. The war would ultimately change the focus and mindset of the colonist. The colonist would begin to develop a mindset of power and independence, and finally break free from British rule, and into an American Revolution.
I understand where the French-speaking Canadians are coming from. With the majority of French Canadians residing in the province of Quebec they feel like they are different than the rest of the country. As it stands now, Quebec is one of the more prosperous provinces in Canada, and I wonder if secession were to take place what would happen? We all know that it would take time to become successful, but who knows if they would ever return to the way it is now. Is the price too big to play? With the opposing sides at almost equal size it is important to come to a final situation. Before possible violence breaks out within the province.
I will never disregard September 13, 1759. Do you desire to know why? It happened to be the day I died. But let's rewind a little bit, to the moment I developed the intention of attacking Quebec. Now you might be questioning, why did I aspire to attack Quebec? Well, I was alive throughout the French and Indian war. If I attacked and captured Quebec, I would receive a significant victory and a prominent possibility of dominating North America. I could have a reliable outcome of winning the whole war if all proceeded according to my plan! However, as most things are, that attack did not go as intended. My men concluded that Quebec was remarkably troublesome to attack for physical reasons. The reasons being difficult terrain and rivers surrounding
Canada has played a vital role in international relations for the majority of its 144 year history since the signing of Confederation in 1867. Canada first participated in World War I, then World War II in 1939-1945. Following World War II, Canada was also involved in the Korean War. Canada has been primarily a peacekeeping nation. There are many questions people ask when a high income country goes to help a lower income nation such as Afghanistan. What are Canada’s motives for helping out Afghanistan? Who will benefit from Canada going to war in Afghanistan? These are some of the questions many people have. While Canada has many domestic problems of its own such as homelessness, poverty and increasing national debt, why should Canada get involved with a problem that is across the globe? Are the costs of going to war out weight the political benefits? Modernity, modernization theory and gender stratification are some key concepts that are related to Canada going to war in Afghanistan.