Chapter 8, Section 2The Search for a National Identity

Standard: 7.3.8.A: Explain the human characteristics of places and regions, specifically population and culture.

Anchors: CC.8.5.6-8.D: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies. CC.8.5.6-8.B: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify the historical roots of Canada’s

major culture groups. 2. Cite evidence that insists French and British-

Canadians have a cultural conflict.

AGENDA:1. PDN2. Ch. 8, Sect. 2 Notes 3. Think Pair Share4. Ticket out the door.

What is Unity?

Introduction• Canadian population is extremely varied. – Country defines itself as multicultural.

• Unity is difficult to achieve because the country is so vast and different.

Understanding the Past• Struggle to develop national identity.– People identify more with region than country.

• 40% of all Canadians have British ancestors. • 27% are of French descent.

The First Canadians• First people to live in what is now Canada

were the Inuit and Native Americans.– Some settled the Pacific.– Others were nomadic.

This picture shows several Inuit constructing an igloo with blocks of snow. Traditionally, Inuit lived in igloos during the coldest months and tent like huts during the warmer months.

The First Canadians Continued…• Beginning in the 1600s, rival European

empires of England and France began colonizing the region.

• Europeans devastated the native population with diseases (Columbian Exchange) and warfare.

Colonial Rivalries• French and English colonists competed for the

prosperous N. American fur trade and clashed over land claims. – Between 1689 and 1763, 4 wars were fought in N.

America. – British troops defeated the French in the Battle of

Quebec in 1759. – 1763, France Surrendered all of its empire in

Canada and Britain assumed control over the entire region.

Ties to Britain• Canada remained under direct British rule

until 1867 (Dominion of Canada). – Own Government.– Foreign Policy and Military decisions were still

made by the British. – Canada became completely independent in 1931.

Conflict Between Two Cultures• Both English and French are official languages

in Canada (15% can speak both).• Majority of French-speaking Canadians live in

the province of Quebec. – 1774, British government passed laws to ensure

that French Canadians would be able to maintain their own language, laws and culture.

Conflict… Continued• Many French Canadians feel discriminated

against by the English speaking majority.– Claims that they are denied jobs in government or

industry because of their French descent.

Conflict… Continued• Quebecois, Quebec’s French-speaking citizens,

consider themselves guardians of French culture in Canada.

• 1960s, some fought to preserve French culture, others favored separatism.

• In 1995, a referendum allowing residents to decide whether Quebec should secede from the rest of Canada, failed by a narrow margin.

Welcoming Diversity, Promoting Unity• Canada has welcomed immigrants from all

over the world. – Largest numbers from Europe.– Recently, more and more Asians have settled

British Columbia.

Uniting Canada’s Regions

• Canada has been successful in uniting its regions and its people through transportation and communication links.

• However, establishing a true national identity is proving difficult to achieve.