Social Studies 7: Pre-Confederation

A short animated video that discusses the events of the Canadian Revolution in the 1830s.

On this site you'll find a lot of useful information about the peoples of Canada in specific years of our country's development

Look back on the crucial stages of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham: context, preparation, siege of Quebec City and encounter. Scroll down to enter the English version of the site.

This video from the McCord Museum looks at the effects of the rebellions of 1837-1838 on the rights of French Canadians.

An article that discusses French-English relations in Canada from 1830 to the 1995 referendum and its aftermath.

Learn what led to two French rebellions against Upper Canada in the time before Confederation.

Although he could not vote himself, the people of Haldimand County overwhelmingly voted to elect Mohawk Chief John Brant, as their first representative to the Parliament of Upper Canada in 1830.

Two politicians from Upper and Lower Canada work together to help shape democratic reforms for all of Canada (1841).

Canada's system of government began as an off-shoot of Great Britain's Westminster System, but over the years, has evolved into something uniquely Canadian.

This 90 minute film explores the formation of Canada from a settler point of view.

A re-enactment of the historic battle for the Plains of Abraham, a pivotal moment in the creation of Canada

Confederation? Constitution? How does it all work together? Trace the story of how Canada and its Parliament began.

This video from the McCord Museum explains how Acadians became more involved in politics and demanded their rights to property, language and religion.

This timeline of the Acadians spans 400 years, starting in the early 1600's. Learn how Acadians have worked to maintain their unique language and culture.

This captivating video delves into the heart-wrenching tale of the Expulsion of Acadia in 1755-1765. Witness the tragic story of forced exile as we explore the historical events that led to the Banishment of Acadia.

A short history of the Acadians, descendants of early French settlers, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1604 and built a distinct culture and society over generations.

Learn about the rich history of the Acadians.

This video from the McCord Museum explores the century following the 1755 expulsion of the Acadians as they relocated through Eastern Canada.

In this clip, experience Britain's first actions after establishing British North America. What did this mean for Canada?

This video summarizes the Seven Years' War and provides some context for the issuing of the Royal Proclamation of 1763

Explore 5 facts about the Proclamation of 1763 that was enacted to calm the tension between Native Americans and colonists, but became one of the causes of the American Revolution.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III on 7 October 1763. It established the basis for governing the North American territories surrendered by France to Britain in the Treaty of Paris, 1763

A clip from Canada: A People's History that provides context for the Royal Proclamation of 1763

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was a historic law that shaped land rights in North America, recognizing Indigenous ownership and setting rules for fair land negotiations.

Issued by the British Crown after the Seven Years’ War, the Proclamation aimed to bring order to North America and prevent conflicts over land. But why does this proclamation still matter today?

This article explains how the Quebec Act accidently triggered the American Revolution.

Loyalists were American colonists, of different ethnic backgrounds, who supported the British cause during the American Revolutionary War (1775–83)

An article the details the content of the Act and the unexpected consequences it had.

A brief article that summarizes the content of the act and explains why it is important.

A clip from Canada: A Peoples' History that provides context to the issuing of the Quebec Act

An explanation of the American perspective of the Quebec Act and why it antagonized the Americans into rebelling against British rule.

Overview of this important piece of British legislation on self-governance that was enacted just before the American Revolution

This video breaks down the Act's significance, its impact on French-speaking residents, and how it influenced Canada's bilingual and multicultural identity.

One of Canada’s best kept secrets, the largest free Black settlement in the 1780’s where people voted with their feet for freedom.

After the defeat of the British at Yorktown in 1781, the American Revolution continues for another two years.

After eight years of Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 recognizing the United States as an independent nation.

This agreement gave the United States lands reserved for Indigenous peoples. This transfer betrayed earlier treaties and alliances between the British and Indigenous peoples.

​In 1791, Great Britain introduced a new constitution called the Constitutional Act. This article provides information about the act and the period of national demands and struggles in the wake of the Constitutional Act

Having promised French law in the colony of Quebec, the British Government faced a dilemma once more British colonists (who did not want to live under French law) arrived.

The Constitutional Act, 1791 was an act of the British Parliament. Also known as the Canada Act, it divided the Province of Quebec into Upper Canada and Lower Canada. The Act was a first step on the long path to Confederation

A short article that explains the goals of the act and the problems with it that eventually led to rebellion.

A article from the Canadian Parliamentary Review that provides details about the legislators involved in creating the Act of 1791

Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution (1775–83)

Learn about the early migration of Chinese settlers into Alberta and what life was like for them here.

An historical overview video created by Historica Canada for Black History Month.

This exhibit from the City Museum of Edmonton documents the long history of Black Canadians living in Alberta.

This timeline is a chronological record of the key events and contributions of various Asian groups in Canadian society starting from 1788. Scroll down through the timeline.

This video tells the story of Irish immigration to Canada during the Irish Potato Famine

Irish orphans travelling to Canada in the 1850s were adopted by many French families

This short video depicts what it may have been like to use the Underground Railroad, a secret path for some enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in Canada in the 1850s.

This great website documents the history of the Black community in the Yukon, starting in 1901 when 99 Black people arrived during the Goldrush.

Discover the powerful story of Irish immigration to Canada in the 1800s.

The Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852 claimed more than a million Irish lives and prompted a mass exodus from the starving country.

E.B. meets a First Nations guide, who shows him how native tribes aided escaping slaves; then he visits a safe house across the Canadian border. The Band of Angels were the people who, like Harriet Tubman, took personal risks to help escaping slaves find freedom.

Since the late 1700s, people of Asian origin have made important contributions to Canada’s history and identity.

The Ties That Bind: Building the CPR, Building a Place in Canada examines the struggle of the Chinese Canadian community to establish an identity and roots in Canada.

Between the years 1815 and 1850, over 800,000 immigrants, mainly of British and Irish origin came to Canada. Why so many?

Although he could not vote himself, the people of Haldimand County overwhelmingly voted to elect Mohawk Chief John Brant, as their first representative to the Parliament of Upper Canada in 1830.

This interactive infographic from the government of Canada provides information about the historic treaties that cover more than 50% of the land that makes up Canada.

Perspectives of the British, Americans, Canadians, and Indigenous peoples of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 was a dramatic event in Canadian history but not for the British. Why not?

Mohawk Chief John Norton and 80 Grand River warriors hold off American soldiers until reinforcements arrive.

At 68, Richard Pierpoint, who was originally a slave, became a soldier in the War of 1812

This set of primary sourcess describes the quality of life for Black people in New Brunswick during the Napoleonic Wars - War of 1812 period (1803-1884). Free sign-in required for access

The American perspective of the War of 1812 is presented by PBS.

The War of 1812 from the perspective of Canada.

This video is a monologue of Richard Pierpoint. Pierpoint petitioned to form an all-black militia to fight alongside the British during the war of 1812.

After overhearing American soldiers discussing plans for a sneak attack, Laura Secord set out on a long and treacherous journey to alert the British troops.

Black Canadians were in Canada from the earliest times, initially as free people, then as slaves. Learn more about their experiences in the early years of our nation.

This week on Context we tell the story of African Nova Scotians and how they’ve contributed to the history of Canada. They’ve been in Canada for almost 300 years and yet some of us don’t know their stories and all that they have given us.

Learn about the history of Black people working in the Canadian fur trade in this interesting article!

At 68, Richard Pierpoint, who was originally a slave, became a soldier in the War of 1812

Slavery was part of Canada’s colonial nation-building for over 200 years

This episode covers why Britain abolished slavery. What were the reasons and ultimately, how should Britain's role be remembered?

A good summary of the events that took place during the Upper Canada rebellion

A good summary of the events that took place during the Lower Canada rebellion

Anya explains everything you need to know about the Act of Union set up by the British government and the changes prompted by this new constitution.

This video from the McCord Museum looks at the effects of the rebellions of 1837-1838 on the rights of French Canadians.

Information about Lord Durham's report, the Act of Union law, and how it affected the colonies.

Two politicians from Upper and Lower Canada work together to help shape democratic reforms for all of Canada (1841).

Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne discuss the notion of political reform in Canada (1841).

On this site you'll find a lot of useful information about the peoples of Canada in specific years of our country's development

In this lesson students explore the Treaty of Niagara as a foundational relationship in the creation of Canada

A lesson plan for grades 4-9 students from the Rupertsland Institute that explores the role of scrip Métis-Settler relationships.

Lessons and resources to use with students will exploring how the Canadian Confederation happened. You can bypass the signin by clicking the image.

A lesson plan with some background information for teachers.