Compare and Contrast: location, original inhabitants, exploration, territorial expansion, beginnings, bi-culturalism, systems of government, constitutions, language, weights and measurements, money
*Canada and the United States both inhabit continental North America and some offshore islands. We share a common border, at 6420 km, the longest boundary in the world. *Both nations were originally inhabited by a large number of different aboriginal peoples who are referred to as American Indians in the US and as First Nations in Canada. In the USA, many Indians live on reservations; in Canada, most have ties to a home reserve. *Both countries were explored and settled by Europeans from 1492 on, although other visitors left evidence of settlements and fishing camps in earlier centuries. European settlement moved from east to west across the continent, with early Spanish influence being more dominant in the USA (Florida, Texas, California) while French influence predominated in Canada (Acadia and Quebec). *To expand, the Americans negotiated with Great Britain after the Revolutionary War (1783), purchased territory previously controlled by Spain (1819, 1848), France (1803), and Russia (1867), and annexed Texas. In Canada, the British negotiated for French-controlled territory after winning battles in the Seven Years War (1763). Canadian expansion has been more conservative and methodical. Separate colonies decided to unite after years of debate in 1867. Other territories and colonies chose to join the Confederation when they were ready (1870, 1871, 1872, 1905, 1949, 1999).
*America as a nation began with "the shot heard round the world" in 1776, in an age when Britain was expanding colonial domination and insensitive to the needs of colonists. Americans fought for their freedom. Thousands of people who remained loyal to Great Britain chose or were forced to leave the new republics. The colonies to the north refused to join the revolution. In an effort to win the loyalty of French-speaking settlers in acquired territory, laws were passed guaranteeing the rights to retain French language, laws, religion, and schooling (1774). These guarantees were honoured in the negotiations which created the bilingual and bicultural confederation of Canada one hundred years later (1867). Canada was created in 1867 after years of constitutional debate and the passing of a law by the British parliament designed to guarantee "peace, order, and good government." Great Britain at this time was attempting to reduce the considerable costs of administering a far-flung empire by encouraging self-government. The mother country was also eager to unite the remaining disparate North American colonies so that they might be better able to resist a potential American invasion. Armies of unemployed soldiers were milling about south of the border after four years of American Civil War.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to J. M. Bridgeman's Canadian History & Culture topic, please visit the Discussions page.