Lower Canada Flashcards
How did Land Ownership work in Lower Canada?
Seigneur’s (landlords) would provide land to farmers to substinence farm in exchange for rent. This feudal system encouraged more investment and improvement in land, as well as habitants being protected by contract by the state.
Name one tension in Lower Canada.
In Lower Canada, the official language of the legislative assembly was mainly English - thus causing the French to feel as though there was a political block, reducing their sense of national identity, racial tension and attack on cultural identity.
Describe the tension brought on by Chateau Clique.
The Chateau Clique brought tension to the Lower Canadians due to the similarities in political structure UC has after the 1791 Constitution. The Chateau Clique were full of loyalists and British who were successful business men. This meant that the English view quickly dominated the larger French speaking legislative assembly - causing a threat to national identity.
What resulted in the formation of the Patroite’s.
The 1820’s saw rural stagnation and hardship in seignural lands, which the ruling elite turned the economic problems back on the french. By the ruling elite proposing passing an act to unite both Canada’s, causing a large english speaking majority - french canadians mobilised opposition. French speaking professionals grouped up to seek the reform of the political system to protect national identity and represent the interests of the french canadians.
What were the results of Dalhousie as Governor.
He was at loggerheads with the French Legislative Assembly and recalled to London. This was due to the assembly refusing to vote money for payments of officials and Dalhousie proroguing the assembley in 1827 for refusing to accept a patriote leader as speaker of the house.
How did Papineau cause revolt in Lower Canada?
Leader of the Patroites, Papineau became more and more anti British and his assembly refused compromises offered by the British in terms of controlling finances or voting in favour of the civil list to pay officials salaries. His opposition stemming from wanting French-Canadian Nationalism and opposition to the change in seignural land led to the publication of the 92 resolutions - demanding constitutional change to seek and protect French National Identity.
How did Economic and Social Issues in Lower Canada cause revolt?
Radical population due to habitants hardship, combined with unease from increasing immigration. Immigrants bring disease and cholera outbreak 1832, causing military tension leading two men being shot during 1832 election.
How did the Gosford Mission cause revolt in Lower Canada?
Arrival in 1835 for a commission of inquiry did little to ease the situation. In Fact, the terms of the inquiries brief showed Britain had no intent of engaging in any kind of constitutional reform being called for. The situation was worsened not only by the British’s failure to address deemed importance’s and the Canadian reform proposed to the Gov, but the Russell Resolutions had rejected the 92 resolutions, allowed the Governor use of public funds w/o assembly consent and calculated the Canadian Gov owed the Brit’s £142K. The Patroites had responded by threatening to boycott British Goods and Free Trade between Canada and USA - however, this was responded to with increased military presence and 2 proclamations banning protest and all public meetings and closing banks.
