The Golden Age of LaurierThe Golden Age of LaurierStepping Onto the World StageStepping Onto the World Stage

Foreign Affairs Issues of Laurier’s EraForeign Affairs Issues of Laurier’s Era

History 30History 30Unit 3 – External Forces and Domestic RealitiesUnit 3 – External Forces and Domestic Realities

Laurier and the Art of CompromiseLaurier and the Art of Compromise Wilfrid Laurier was Prime Minister of Canada at a Wilfrid Laurier was Prime Minister of Canada at a

time when several issues divided the French and time when several issues divided the French and English populationsEnglish populations

Was a firm believer in the idea that French and Was a firm believer in the idea that French and English could and should live togetherEnglish could and should live together 1864 valedictorian address @ McGill: “Two races today 1864 valedictorian address @ McGill: “Two races today

share the soil of Canada” share the soil of Canada” Laurier – Fr-Cdn with a deep love and appreciation Laurier – Fr-Cdn with a deep love and appreciation

for English literature and culturefor English literature and culture Believed that the rest of the world would look upon Believed that the rest of the world would look upon

the shining example of Canada and the harmony of its the shining example of Canada and the harmony of its two founding peoplestwo founding peoples

Canada’s Foreign AffairsCanada’s Foreign Affairs ImperialismImperialism

After confederation and into the 1900’s, many After confederation and into the 1900’s, many Canadians debated Canada’s role in Canadians debated Canada’s role in British Imperial British Imperial FamilyFamily

Should Canada stay within the Empire, or should it Should Canada stay within the Empire, or should it become completely independent?become completely independent?

A policy of establishing colonies away from the homeland who would be loyal to your “empire”

Two major views on the issueTwo major views on the issue1)1) The English-Canadian viewThe English-Canadian view

Most supported imperialismMost supported imperialism Supporting imperialism did not necessarily mean they did Supporting imperialism did not necessarily mean they did

not support not support NationalismNationalism

See reasons on page #40See reasons on page #40

Of course, some felt Canada should either be fully Of course, some felt Canada should either be fully independent, or perhaps, even join the USA. However, they independent, or perhaps, even join the USA. However, they were minority English-Canadianswere minority English-Canadians..

Loyalty to one’s country

2) The French-Canadian view2) The French-Canadian view

Divided views, but many felt imperialism Divided views, but many felt imperialism meant a loss of French identity and culturemeant a loss of French identity and culture

Felt isolated as immigration increases and Felt isolated as immigration increases and nationalist movements developnationalist movements develop

French-Canadian NationalismFrench-Canadian Nationalism Confederation guaranteed French language, courts, Confederation guaranteed French language, courts,

customs, religion etc…customs, religion etc… But, some incidents began to question this.But, some incidents began to question this.

Laurier’s view:Laurier’s view:French Canadians have not forgotten France… Here in French Canadians have not forgotten France… Here in

France, people are surprised at the attachment French France, people are surprised at the attachment French Canadians feel for the Queen of England. We are faithful Canadians feel for the Queen of England. We are faithful to the nation which gave us life (France), and we are to the nation which gave us life (France), and we are faithful to the nation that gave us liberty (Britain).faithful to the nation that gave us liberty (Britain).

French-English RelationsFrench-English RelationsPre-LaurierPre-Laurier

French always worried about losing their French always worried about losing their language/culture & being assimilated (justified?)language/culture & being assimilated (justified?)

Métis and Louis RielMétis and Louis Riel French Canadians sympathized with Riel and felt he was French Canadians sympathized with Riel and felt he was

unjustly persecuted because he was Frenchunjustly persecuted because he was French French Métis rights abused; no relief or support from gov’tFrench Métis rights abused; no relief or support from gov’t

Laurier rose to prominence in the Liberal Party Laurier rose to prominence in the Liberal Party through his eloquent defense of Rielthrough his eloquent defense of Riel

Riel’s execution continued and deepened the feelings Riel’s execution continued and deepened the feelings of alienation and discontent in French Canadaof alienation and discontent in French Canada

Let’s read page 41Let’s read page 41

Manitoba Schools QuestionManitoba Schools Question Manitoba Act of 1870 constitutionally guaranteed bilingual separate Manitoba Act of 1870 constitutionally guaranteed bilingual separate

schools in Manitobaschools in Manitoba However, as more English settlers arrived in Red River, many Métis sold However, as more English settlers arrived in Red River, many Métis sold

their ‘script’ and moved further Westtheir ‘script’ and moved further West

Manitoba Schools Act 1890Manitoba Schools Act 1890 Cut off funding for RC schools in ManitobaCut off funding for RC schools in Manitoba English the only language of instructionEnglish the only language of instruction

Macdonald – wait out storm (died in 1891)Macdonald – wait out storm (died in 1891) Issue unresolved in 1896 during electionIssue unresolved in 1896 during election Conservative Charles Tupper – uphold the Constitution and force Conservative Charles Tupper – uphold the Constitution and force

Manitoba to restore fundingManitoba to restore funding Liberal Wilfrid Laurier – avoids taking definite stand but understands that Liberal Wilfrid Laurier – avoids taking definite stand but understands that

he cannot risk offending the English majority and restore complete fundinghe cannot risk offending the English majority and restore complete funding

Laurier-Greenway CompromiseLaurier-Greenway Compromise After election - Laurier-Greenway Compromise ~ “The Sunny After election - Laurier-Greenway Compromise ~ “The Sunny

Way”Way” ½ hour of religious instruction at the end of the school day½ hour of religious instruction at the end of the school day Teacher in the language of choice would be provided if 10 or Teacher in the language of choice would be provided if 10 or

more studentsmore students French-Canadians very disappointed – view it as significant French-Canadians very disappointed – view it as significant

loss of French and catholic rights outside Quebecloss of French and catholic rights outside Quebec 1916 – Manitoba again makes English only language of 1916 – Manitoba again makes English only language of

instructioninstruction

Let’s read about this on page #41 - 42Let’s read about this on page #41 - 42

Language in Ontario and other Language in Ontario and other provincesprovinces

Let’s read page 42Let’s read page 42

Henri BourassaHenri Bourassa

“IF WE LET THE FRENCH MINORITIES WHICH OUR OUTPOSTS, BE SACRIFICED ONE BY ONE, THE DAY WILL COME WHEN

THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC WILL UNDERGO ASSAULT”

A BICULTURAL CANADA A BICULTURAL CANADA OR SEPARATION?OR SEPARATION?

Foreign Affairs Issues That Foreign Affairs Issues That Effected CanadaEffected Canada

3 Major Issues3 Major Issues

The Boer War 1899-1902The Boer War 1899-1902 War in South Africa between Dutch settlers and British ImperialistsWar in South Africa between Dutch settlers and British Imperialists engulfed in conflict for over fifty years.engulfed in conflict for over fifty years. The British ImperialistsThe British Imperialists

located in the Cape Colony and Natal, wanted to have South Africa unified located in the Cape Colony and Natal, wanted to have South Africa unified under British rule. under British rule.

The BoersThe Boers occupied the more northern independent republics of the Orange Free State and occupied the more northern independent republics of the Orange Free State and

Transvaal, wanted to remain independent. Transvaal, wanted to remain independent.

Throughout the 19th Century more and more commercially minded British Throughout the 19th Century more and more commercially minded British settlers had moved to the Cape Colony causing many Boers to move settlers had moved to the Cape Colony causing many Boers to move further inland to protect their way of life. further inland to protect their way of life.

discovery of gold and diamonds in Transvaal - tensions grewdiscovery of gold and diamonds in Transvaal - tensions grew

erupted into all out war and the second Boer War commenced. (The first erupted into all out war and the second Boer War commenced. (The first Boer War occurred in 1880-1881).Boer War occurred in 1880-1881).

England requested help from their Imperial Family.England requested help from their Imperial Family.

Map of South Africa 1899Map of South Africa 1899

Laurier’s CompromiseLaurier’s Compromise Canada would support the British by providing 1000 Canada would support the British by providing 1000

volunteers (initially – though 7300 went in total), volunteers (initially – though 7300 went in total), equipment and transportation to South Africa. Britain equipment and transportation to South Africa. Britain would be responsible for paying the troops and returning would be responsible for paying the troops and returning them to Canada at the end of their service. them to Canada at the end of their service.

Not the official Canadian Army but making a contributionNot the official Canadian Army but making a contribution Effort to balance French and English view while guarding Effort to balance French and English view while guarding

Canadian autonomyCanadian autonomy The Boer War marked the first occasion in The Boer War marked the first occasion in

which large contingents of Canadian troops which large contingents of Canadian troops served abroadserved abroad..

The Battle of Paardeberg is the best-known Canadian engagement of the The Battle of Paardeberg is the best-known Canadian engagement of the South African war. Canada's first contingent failed to heed the order to South African war. Canada's first contingent failed to heed the order to retreat and held their own.retreat and held their own.

Prime Minister Laurier tried to keep Canada out of Prime Minister Laurier tried to keep Canada out of this conflict and the country was divided over this conflict and the country was divided over whether or not Canada should participate. whether or not Canada should participate.

Most French-Canadians and some EnglishMost French-Canadians and some English felt this conflict was Britain's war and did not concern felt this conflict was Britain's war and did not concern

Canada Canada Many French Canadians sympathized with Boers and were Many French Canadians sympathized with Boers and were

worried that this might set a precedent worried that this might set a precedent

Most English CanadiansMost English Canadians drawn to the idea of fighting in South Africa and defending drawn to the idea of fighting in South Africa and defending

the British Empire.the British Empire. Felt it was our duty to support the EmpireFelt it was our duty to support the Empire

The Canadians proved to be tough and heroic, The Canadians proved to be tough and heroic, and especially good on horseback. and especially good on horseback.

Success of Canadian soldiers and their Success of Canadian soldiers and their criticism of British leadership and social criticism of British leadership and social values fed a new sense of Canadian self-values fed a new sense of Canadian self-confidence and actually loosened the ties of confidence and actually loosened the ties of loyalty to Britainloyalty to Britain

The Alaska Boundary Dispute 1903The Alaska Boundary Dispute 1903

Boundaries of Alaska not set when US Boundaries of Alaska not set when US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867

US adopted Russian position while Canada-US adopted Russian position while Canada-Britain had different claimBritain had different claim

Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 brought matter to Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 brought matter to a heada head

Decided to settle matter before International Decided to settle matter before International tribunal of 3 Americans, 2 Canadians and 1 tribunal of 3 Americans, 2 Canadians and 1 Brit – Lord AlverstoneBrit – Lord Alverstone

Lord Alverstone

US President Teddy Roosevelt made it very clear that dispute US President Teddy Roosevelt made it very clear that dispute would be settled in US favourwould be settled in US favour

1000 Marines ready to land to enforce position1000 Marines ready to land to enforce position Canada – confident of British supportCanada – confident of British support Lord Alverstone – instructed to take US sideLord Alverstone – instructed to take US side

Britain needed US support in looming crisis with Germany and in arms Britain needed US support in looming crisis with Germany and in arms racerace

Couldn’t risk upsetting USCouldn’t risk upsetting US Not much could do anyway considering location and American Not much could do anyway considering location and American

determinationdetermination Canadian legal case weakCanadian legal case weak

Canada would probably have lost anyway but Roosevelt’s Canada would probably have lost anyway but Roosevelt’s manipulations and Britain’s acquiescence so blatant that manipulations and Britain’s acquiescence so blatant that Canada enraged Canada enraged aggressive imperialism and bullying of US and Britain’s betrayal of aggressive imperialism and bullying of US and Britain’s betrayal of

Canadian interestsCanadian interests

The Naval Service Bill 1910The Naval Service Bill 1910

Prelude to WWI, Germany developing a navy to challenge Prelude to WWI, Germany developing a navy to challenge BritainBritain

Britain had “Two-Power Naval Standard”Britain had “Two-Power Naval Standard” As an island, and with a worldwide Empire, it was believed that they As an island, and with a worldwide Empire, it was believed that they

must have as big a navy as the next two powers combinedmust have as big a navy as the next two powers combined Developed the HMS Dreadnought in 1906Developed the HMS Dreadnought in 1906

one of the most notable design transformations of the armored warship one of the most notable design transformations of the armored warship eraera

Bigger – 18 000 ton battleship, Faster - steam turbine power plant with Bigger – 18 000 ton battleship, Faster - steam turbine power plant with 21-knot maximum speed21-knot maximum speed

"all-big-gun" main battery of ten twelve-inch guns"all-big-gun" main battery of ten twelve-inch guns so thoroughly eclipsed earlier types that subsequent battleships were so thoroughly eclipsed earlier types that subsequent battleships were

commonly known as "dreadnoughts", and the previous ones disparaged commonly known as "dreadnoughts", and the previous ones disparaged as "pre-dreadnoughts". as "pre-dreadnoughts".

Made all other ships “obsolete” but reduced Britain’s naval Made all other ships “obsolete” but reduced Britain’s naval superiority to one.superiority to one.

Wanted colonies/dominions to contribute money to build Wanted colonies/dominions to contribute money to build more ‘dreadnoughtsmore ‘dreadnoughts’’

Laurier, ever mindful of guarding Canadian autonomy and Laurier, ever mindful of guarding Canadian autonomy and caught between French and English, came up with a caught between French and English, came up with a compromise compromise Build Royal Canadian Navy – 5 cruisers and 6 destroyers, which Build Royal Canadian Navy – 5 cruisers and 6 destroyers, which

could, when needed, be placed at the disposal of the British Navy could, when needed, be placed at the disposal of the British Navy with with the consent of parliament the consent of parliament

EnglishEnglish our duty to contribute to the British Navy as we rely on it for our our duty to contribute to the British Navy as we rely on it for our

protection protection RCN – “Tin Pot” Navy not enoughRCN – “Tin Pot” Navy not enough

FrenchFrench too muchtoo much would be dragged into every fightwould be dragged into every fight Britain should take care of itselfBritain should take care of itself

By beginning of WWI, only 2 cruisers: Rainbow and By beginning of WWI, only 2 cruisers: Rainbow and NiobeNiobe

HMS Rainbow and NiobeHMS Rainbow and Niobe