Who built the CPR?

Building the CPR has benefited Canada in so many ways. But who is given credit? Even though everyone-Van Horne, the CPR Syndicate, MacDonald and the workers- were all important, the most important person was John MacDonald. MacDonald was the CEO of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He contributed so much for the railway. “He was the one making the important decisions, hiring people and taking part in any aspect of building the CPR.”(Samra, K., 2013, para 5). He took action and decided to make his dream to reality. His dream was to connect the new nation of Canada from sea to sea with a transcontinental railway. Without his dream and determination, the CPR would have never happened.

The second most important would be the workers. Many people might think that the president, Van Horne, would be second. However this is not the case. Even though he was the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the CPR could not have been possible without the workers. You can’t have a leader without any followers. Therefore the workers should be ranked the second most important. They were the ones who built the railway. They risked their lives and thousands of men have died. The workers were building the CPR everyday, rain or shine.

William Van Horne is the third most important person in building the railway. Van Horne became the Vice President of the CPR in September 1885 and than became the president four years later. He was full of determination and knowledge and he has such great leadership skills. as bringing life and energy back into making the CPR a reality. Horne has many experiences with railways and the CPR was just many of his achievements. According to the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame (2002) “while the CPR’s contract with the government dictated completion of the road within a decade, Van Horne — through sheer determination — found ways to finish it in five.” (para 2).

Last but not least is the CPR Syndicate. Even though they are the fourth most important, the CPR Syndicate played an important role in the railway. They provided money for the railway and planned the path of the railway. Without their funding, the railway would not have been brought to life.

References

Canadian Railway (2004) Hall of Fame: John A. MacDonald. Retrieved from http://www.railfame.ca/sec_ind/leaders/en_2004_MacDonaldJ.asp
Canadian Railway (2002) Hall of Fame: Sir William Cornelius Van Horne. Retrieved from http://www.railfame.ca/sec_ind/leaders/en_2002_VanHorneW.asp
Samra, K.(2013). Explore The Past With Me in SS10! Retrieved from http://jhss10kuljitsamra.wordpress.com/

The Role of the Bison

The bison played a huge role in Métis culture and society. ” Buffalo hunting provided the Métis with a livelihood, and helped sustain their way of life” (Canada’s First People,point 2). It was also an important social gathering. It gave an opportunity for extended families to see each other once or twice a year and get caught up.

Every year in the summer and the beginning of autumn, there would be two organized bison hunts. The hunt is larger in the summer and smaller in the autumn. It was a tradition for all men, women and children to participate in it. However, it was very dangerous. Many people died or got severely injured falling off their horses or being trampled. Women and children drove cart called the Red River, which were pulled by oxen and horses to transport the bison meat.According to Vantage Point(2012) “Bison meat helped the Métis in the fur trade.”

The Métis did not waist the bison they hunted. Instead they would use up most of the bison and they would have many household and personal items made from bison hides, hair, horn and bones. The bison horn would be made into cups and spoons. While the ” the intestines were processed into extremely strong cords that could be used to stitch together clothing and tipi covering, or to make bow strings and bindings for spears and arrows.” (Cranny, Javis, Moles, and Seney, 2009, p. 198). The bison was also important to the Métis since the economy of Métis relied on the Bison Hunt event, which provided meat and hides for Pemmican Trading.

The hunt brought the community together and produced a strong sense in pride and discipline. The Métis did not hunt on Sundays, which shows that they are religious. The Bison hunt played a huge role in the Métis society for it was a source of discipline,religion, pride, and community gathering. The Métis was very seriously about the bison hunt. Laws were enforced that everyone had to follow. “An elected ‘buffalo hunt council’ was in charge of enforcing those rules and organizing the hunt” (First Peoples of Canada, 2013.)The bison hunt played a huge role in the lives of the Métis. It made them who they are and help shape the Métis culture and tradition.

Reference
Canada’s First Peoples. Background: The Métis. Retrieved from http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com

Cranny, M., Jarvis, G., Moles, G., Seney B. (2009). Horizons: Canada’s Emerging Identity. 2nd Ed. Don Mills, Ontario: Pearson Education Canada

Vantage Point (2012). Métis Bison Hunt. Retrieved from http://vantagepoints.ca/stories/metis-bison-hunts/

Thomas Scott’s Execution!

Dear Mother,

I just got your letter and I am absolutely furious! Thomas Scott was executed!!? This is crazy. He was our leader; he stood up for us and fought for our rights and yet this is what he deserves? I think not. He did nothing wrong. That crazy wild Thomas Scott deserved to be killed.

Riel rebelled against the government who suppressed us. He was against violence unless it was absolutely necessary. However the government took it to far so Riel had to take desperate measures. Such a brave soul he was. This execution is totally unfair. First of all, he was not aloud to speak. Secondly everyone at the trial was white. No Metis were a loud to go.

Riel found a place for us to live in. My heart goes out for my Metis people. Riel was innocent and the government better watch their backs. What comes around goes around. I will come for the funeral for our beloved friend. This shouldn’t have happened. Riel will forever be in our hearts. See you in a few days Mother.

Sincerely,

Malcolm Grant

To see if Louis Riel was a hero or an terriost click HERE

References
The Canadian Encyclopedia(2013) Louis Riel. Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/louis-riel

Wikipedia(2013). Louis Riel. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Riel

My Results from the Vote Compass

Before doing the Vote Compass activity, I thought I might get the Green Party or the NDP since I care more about the environment and they were a good match for me. When I saw the results I was right!The NDP and the Green Party was the top two on my list. However, I was surprised to see how close the results of the other parties came.

Some of the questions that were asked were quite hard and personal and it took a lot of thinking. I also didn’t understand some of the questions since I didn’t know what some words meant, so I had to search it up. But searching the things I didn’t know about gave me an opportunity to learn new things. I found this activity to be very interesting and I enjoyed doing it. I have learned some new things by doing this this Vote Compass activity.

John A. MacDonald

John A. MacDonald should be remembered as an influential man, who had many great and successful achievements. MacDonald served Canada for 48 years as a politician. He was the first prime minister of Canada and remained a prime minister of 19 years making him the second-longest serving prime minister in Canada’s history. MacDonald is considered as the ” builder of the nation.” He is most remembered as being Canada’s first Prime Minister, running the government from July 1, 1867 until November 5, 1873.

MacDonald took part in numerous court cases and became an influential figure in Kingston. In 1844 he won a seat in parliament. In 1857, after serving in the Legislature of the Province of Canada and he became Prime Minister in the unstable political system of the colony. He was one of the main architects of the debates and discussions which led to the Constitution Act in 1867 and the founding of Canada 1 st July 1867.(Historica Dominion, 2013) However, MacDonald wasn’t always successful. He dealt with many political obstacles, such as the Confederation, the Métis rebellion and threats of an American (Atwell, 2013). Although MacDonald did many great things to make Canada a better and stronger nation, he did not have a good relationship with the Métis. He had decided to execute Louis Riel, who was fighting for the rights of the Métis. Some people did not like the way he treated the Métis and thinks that it was unfair for him to execute Louis Riel.

During his period as a prime minister, MacDonald helped the development of the railway since he believed it would provide better transportation and a tool for the unification of Canada. Despite many obstacles he has faced, MacDonald is given credit, passed the proposed Canadian Confederation for participating in the expansion of Canada. John Alexander MacDonald was the main instigator of the development of the Act of British North America and the union of the provinces of Canada origin. Being the first leader of Canada, he saw the expansion of the Dominion from coast to coast. “MacDonald was a chief architect of Confederation, put down the rebellions of Louis Riel, pushed through the trans-Canada railway, founded the North West Mounted Police, and implemented what he called the National Policy, which encouraged immigration, agriculture in the west, industry in the east, and movement of goods across the country.”(Our Heroes, 2013, para 1)

John A. MacDonald can be remember for the things that he has accomplished during his reign as prime minister. John A. MacDonald’s legacy still has remained over many years. He is an important figure of Canada and he appears in Canada’s ten dollar bills and statues of him as been made to remember and honour him. During his lifetime, John A. Mac Donald has achieved and accomplished. He is one of the greatest leaders that Canada has ever had! “His government dominated the political scene for almost half a century and sets policy objectives that will continue for future generations of politicians.” (Historica Dominion, 2013,para 1) He is an important figure of Canada and should be remembered for his great achievements, the things he had done for this nation and as the builder of Canada.

References
Atwell, P. (2013). Horton Journal of Canadian History [H.J.C.H]. Retrieved from http://www.angelfire.com/ns/hjch/atwell.htm

Our Heroes(2013) John A. MacDonald: What He’s Remembered For. Retrieved from http://www.infinitebang.com/ourheroes.ca/content.php?hero=jam&pageidx=2

The Canadian Encylopedia(2013) Sir John A. MacDonald. Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/fr/sir-john-alexander-macdonald

Wikipedia(2013) John A. MacDonald. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Macdonald

Victorian Values

At the time of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837–1901, Victorian values was influenced.
Victorian values were very important to the Europeans. They believed in ‘proper’ behavior and were also very materialistic and into spending a lot of money. They placed a high value on modesty, religion, seriousness and duty. They were conscious of social class and status. You see, many of the settlers came to Canada in hopes of escaping the class system. However when they came to Canada, they were angered by how there were still a class system here too.

The term represents the moral of the people living in the Victorian time. It especially refers to the moral climate in general in Great Britain during the 19th century. “Victorian morality can be described as a set of values that supported sexual repression, low tolerance of crime, and a strong social ethic”( Wikipedia, para 1). Due to the enormous impact and importance of the British Empire, many of these values were spread across the world.

Victorians had a lot of values. We share some similar values such as religion, duty and personal success. Religion was important during the Victorian era and I am also a religious person. The Victorians loved to spend their money. I disagree with this. I like to manage my money wisely and spend it on useful things. Also some other things that makes my values similar to the Victorian values is that i believe in hard work and personal success.

Although my values are similar to the Victorian values, we still have some differences. I do not believe in the class system and absolutely despise it. The Victorians believe that they are more valuable and special than other people and I just think its wrong. You cant judge someone by their job or class. I still think that Victorian Values are still alive in parts of the world today, especially in Europe and maybe the Eastern countries.

References

Cenicola, L. & Aumann, M. (2013). Majesties and Royal Highnesses. Retrieved from http://www.laura-cenicola.de/brithist2/brithist/8-1-introduction-into-victorian-morality-what-exactly-was-the-victorian-era.html

Wikipedia (2013). Victorian morality. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_morality

Political Changes in North America

Political changes in North America has changed tremendously since the 19th century. It was very different compared to present day Canada. British North America consisted of six colonies; Upper Canada, Lower Canada, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Upper Canada, now southern and eastern Ontario, was ‘up’ the St.Lawrence River. Lower Canada, now Quebec and long the St. Lawrence, was ‘down’ the St. Lawrence River. Neither Upper Canada nor Lower Canada was democratic.

North America was divided into territories which were ruled by different countries, such as France, Britain and Spain. In the east of British North America, Newfoundland was isolated, and the separate colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had little to do with one another (CBC Learning,2013). Before the Europeans came, North America was inhabited by Natives. After the War of 1812, more Europeans came. But the arrival of the Europeans has kicked the Natives out of their own land. Many Natives lost their land, starved, or died from diseases that the Europeans had brought with them.

Both Lower and Upper Canada had their troubles. According to CBC( 2013) “the formerly separate colonies of Lower and Upper Canada had been forced into an unhappy political marriage. Although Lower Canada had a much larger population, the two provinces were given the same number of elected representatives, and French Canadians resented this inequality. By 1850, immigration had changed the balance, giving Upper Canada a larger population.” ( Paragraph 4) In the past, Canada was divided into the North western Territory, Rupert’s Land and New Caledonia and many other places. Now Canada is more organized and ruled by a government.

References
CBC(2013) Le Canada: British North America. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/history/EPCONTENTSE1EP8CH1PA1LE.html
Department of Justice Canada(2013)British North America Act. Retrieved from http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/const/lawreg-loireg/p1t11.html

Changes in the Lives of Women

200 years ago, women lives were very different. There were a lot of gender discrimination going on especially against women. Women did not have the privilege and freedom that many have now.

In the past, there were a lot of sexism about women. Women did not have voting rights, they cannot own property, have a job and even walking outside alone! In some places, women couldn’t walk outside without a man beside them. They were so dependent of a men. Some women in the past couldn’t even have a job. Other women did, however the women with jobs would be paid unfairly. Men would often get more income. Also, women did not have the right to speak in public.

When a woman gets married, she would become her husband’s property. The men, who would be the head of the household, would usually work while the women would stay home and take care of the kids and do housework. Women were completely controlled by the men in their lives. From their fathers, brothers and male relatives and finally by their husbands. Women was not able to get a divorce after getting married. A wife took on the status of her husband. It was important to be in a good match, since it was important for social standing.

Women’s lives have changed over the years. Most women now have the freedom to own property, have a job, have the right to vote and be educated. Women now have come very independent! However, numerous issues still exist in many places in the world, ranging from the cultural, political to the economic, especially in the Eastern countries.( Global Issues, 2013). Some women still can’t have a job and can’t walk into the streets without the company of a man or even have the freedom to vote. They don’t have the right to be independent. Some women would even have a gender change by cutting their hair and changing their clothing to get the privileges that men have.

Reference

Global Issues(2010) Women’s rights. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/article/166/womens-rights
True Man, C. (2013, March. 22) History Learning Site Women In 1900. Retrieved from href=”//www.historylearningsite.co.uk/women_in_1900.htm”>http://http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/women_in_1900.htm

Time Traveling back to Canada

I cant believe I am actually in Canada 150 years ago!! This is truly amazing! Canada looks so different from the Canada I know. I can hardly recognize it. Canada is like a foreign country to me now. Canada changed drastically over the years.

The first thing that I noticed is the air quality. It is different from modern day Canada. That is probably because there are hardly any pollution here; no cars or factories. Also, there are hardly any people here. Compared with the large population in modern day Canada, the population here is like a speck of sand! Since there are not many people here and no cars, the noise level here is very low. You can here the animal noises and the sound of the water flowing in the river. It is so peaceful and soothing.

Looking around my surroundings, all I can see are forests stretching over the land and the beautiful snow pecked mountains. There are barely any roads, cars, malls, or buildings. The people here are either riding canoes, walking or riding a horse for transportation and instead of having tall houses, theirs are cabins made out of the many trees that is surrounding this place. Another thing that I have noticed is that their are no street lights or electricity. 150 years ago, men and women have to depend on the sun, moon and candles or light.

There is a lot of crops and farming here but the people here don’t have tractors or machinery, instead they have to use simple tools such as a shovel. I see some Aboriginal people hunting for fish in the lake, hunting deer with their home made weapons and some are gathering berries.(Wikipedia,2013) Those berries look delicious! I guess I will join them now! Bye! .

To learn about Canadian history click here :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Canada

Reference
Wikipedia(2013) Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboriginal_peoples_in_Canada

Canada’s Climate Change

Many countries in the world, including Canada are facing the effects of climate change. Bigger populations and transportation’s have caused global warming to increase. Between 2050 and 2100, Canada will have major changes. Predictions of some possible outcomes of climate change in Canada are:
– longer summers
– shorter winters
– some land will be underwater due to the melting snow and icecaps.
– more sunlight
– high average temperatures
– lower average rainfall
– larger seasonal shifts
– some animal extinctions

The three biggest effects on the environment and human lifestyle are the increase in water, larger seasonal shifts, air and water pollution. Global warming will cause people to change their lifestyles as a result of changes in climate. We will have to try to reduce green house gases by driving electric cars, compost, recycle, and save energy. Also we will have to be more aware of the things that they are doing so we wont cause more pollution. There are also many ways to help decrease global warming, to learn how to reduce green house gas click HERE.

The things that we purchase such as food, clothes, etc., are usually transported by trucks, boats and planes. It produces greenhouse gases (burning of fossil fuels) and they are exposed to the atmosphere. Global warming can make the ice caps melt and therefore will cause loss of habitat for some animals. Also, global warming can raise the ocean level and some places can be flooded. The places that are flooded can be contaminated with disease since ocean water is not clean. Buying locally is something that people should consider more. Right now, the changes caused by global warming may not be drastic, but from 2050 to 2100, the changes will be huge. So humans must take care of this precious home we call earth before it is too late.

Here is a link to more information about the effects of global warming
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/climate-change/science/impacts/?gclid=CIuGudWo2rUCFap_Qgod-nsASQ

Reference
Wikipedia (2013)Global Warming. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming