Social Structure in Upper and Lower Canada

How “The Man” Ran Things

Oligarchy -

•A small group of people having control over a country, organisation, or institution.•A state governed by such a group•A government by such a group.

Disparity -

•A great difference•Economic disparities between regions

Upper Canada

Rule by a governor appointed by the crown

No elections Family compact controlled the

governor British government believed in rule by

aristocrats

Who does this system help or hurt and how?

Immigrant farmers? The family compact? The Anglican church? The British government? The native populations?

In groups of five brainstorm and quickly compose a thesis statement, supportive evidence, and a conclusion. (You have ten minutes)

Conservative -

•Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in relation to politics or religion

Moderate -

•Average in amount, intensity, quality or degree

Lower Canada

Structure is similar to that in UC English merchants and military

officers in charge Seigneurial families and church very

influential 80,000 English speakers, 420,000

French speakers

Reform -

•To make changes (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it•To bring about a change (in someone) so that they no longer behave in an immoral, criminal, or self-destructive manner.

Changes: What changes would satisfy…

the French habitants or Upper Canada artisans/farmers?

The family compact? The British government? The native populations?

In groups of five brainstorm and quickly compose a thesis statement, supportive evidence, and a conclusion. (You have ten minutes)

Conclusion - Two forces are at work

•One force wants/needs change•One force wants/needs the status quo•What are these forces?