Today i was in history class and Dr. P was teaching us the Civil War. He also discussed some foreign affairs that occured at teh same time that may seem surprising - Cinco De Mayo is not "Mexican Independence Day", its the day that the Pueblo State of Mexico fought off the French and proved its significance as a nation, and the state of Pueblo is really the only state that celebrates it.
I also learned that the only reason the Dominion of Canada was formed was because of the Civil War. England, backed against a corner with who to side with in the war, decided to give Canada its independence in 1867. Why? They thought that if the South won, to get revenge on an ally that did not help, the USA would invade and take over Canada. Makes sense, eh?
So, elaborate. Any Canadians ever hear this story? Is this complete balderdash? do tell!
The confederation (unification) of Canada was based on several issues that happened more or less at the same time of the American Civil War. It unified the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. (more reasons can be found in the provided link)
Even though it had been formed, the Dominion was still under the influence of Britain and it's monarchy and parliament. The Dominion was responsible for it's defence. It slowly gained more power and freedom over the years. It started to become a real country in 1982 as decreed by the Canada Act.
That's a brief background on the confederation (and a bit extra). You can ask me more info on it if you want to know more and/or you can read this link.
That is a very interesting view you present about Canada becoming an independent nation
That's the idea of the Canadian Confederation in it's basic form. They were trying to gain more control over their own people and land while still being friends with the British (unlike the Americans who waged war instead of talking it over).
Britain was at war with france at the time and both countries had claims on Canada. France had major influence over Quebec however and thats why theres a large french speaking quarter there. Britain also armed indians to fight the french as we were fighting in Africa against the Zulu's and elsewhere in the world so we were stretched for manpower. It ended by peace treaty in the end with 80-90% happy to stay with britain under commonwealth rule.
Britain was at war with france at the time and both countries had claims on Canada. France had major influence over Quebec however and thats why theres a large french speaking quarter there. Britain also armed indians to fight the french as we were fighting in Africa against the Zulu's and elsewhere in the world so we were stretched for manpower. It ended by peace treaty in the end with 80-90% happy to stay with britain under commonwealth rule.
France would never ever get any stake in Canada even if France one. Why? France has no use for Canada. If anything, it would get the islands in the Caribbean that give sugar. Barbados alone had a higher GDP than the US at the time. Imagine twenty islands like Barbados. France would get so much profit.
Even if France could get Canada, it would probably do nothing with it. The only thing that was useful in Canada was the furs there. Nothing valuable.
Yea thats why they were fighting.. The Fir trade. Turned out ok in the end.
Not the only reason. They fought over the fur trade in the French and Indian War but fast forward 110 years, they were fighting over Opium in the Second Opium War.
