Tensions in Upper Canada Flashcards
What was the main cause of most tension in Upper Canada
Economic issues and immigration e.g lack of infrastructure and government strapped for cash
What did the government do to raise money and what did they do with this money
Sold land to the Canada company then used this money to pay officials -> tension
Who held land in Upper Canada and how did they gain it
The Crown. Recognised that indigenous had a right to the land (unlike in Australia) so treaties were signed and land was exchanged for remuneration.
What was the name of the group that controlled the Executive Council in Upper Canada from 1810 - 1840s
The Family Compact - suppressed the Legislative Assembly if they voted for change
What was the Family Compact’s main aim
To establish an Anglican Church - most of Upper Canada were Baptists, Evangelists or Methodists.
Which group emigrated to Upper Canada and why did it cause tension
Irish - stereotypically seen as criminal and diseased (cholera outbreak 1832). The Ops Township Scheme gave them shelter and supplies - the reformers objected to the costs from this.
How did Sir John Colborne increase tension in Upper Canada
Colborne bypassed the legislative assembly by using tax to pay officials salaries then resigned after using Anglican reserves to increase the Anglican church
How did Sir Francis Bond Head increase tension in Lower Canada
He had no experience - only position of power was Poor Law Commissioner in Kent. Eventually removed reformers from the Legislative Assembly making them feel as if they had no legal route to reform.
In what year did the election lead to tension and why
1836 election - laws passed to prevent reformers challenging their position e.g preventing members of Legislative Assembly to serve on Executive Council -> Reformers established Committees of Correspondence and secret councils.
Why did the reformers become more radical
Mackenzie took over the reformers from Robert Baldwin who was in London for the rebellion in 1837 - he was more radical
Why did Mackenzie get a lot of support as leader of the reformers
He wrote the “Colonial Advocate” which had been attacked by sons of the Family Compact in 1826, giving him a lot of credit.
