Created in 1791, Upper Canada is now modern Ontario. Because of the division of the old colony of Quebec, Upper Canada was created in the west and Lower Canada in the east. Before the Europeans came, Upper Canada was originally populated by First Nations. Moving north from the United States, land-hungry farmers mainly composed society as well as the Loyalists. The majority were English. Upper Canada experienced many hardships such as war with America, armed rebellions, and half a century of economic and political unrest. These continued on until Upper Canada was merged again in 1841 into the Province of Canada with its French-speaking counterpart.
immigration to upper canada:
Interested in mainly the land that was available in Upper Canada, almost everyone who immigrated came due to the appeal that farming, owning land, and farming their own freehold farms gave off. However, many settlers arrived to most of the good land already being occupied by absentee landowners and speculators. Back in Europe, people were given the impression that Upper Canada consisted of good, cheap farmland that is easily accessible to towns and markets. Thus, land problems, general dissatisfaction, and tension began to surface between the settlers and the government. This was a major contribution that caused the Rebellion of Upper Canada of 1837.
After the War of 1812, huge waves of immigrants arrived and most, who were not English, settled in Upper Canada. These immigrants consisted of Scottish and Irish people, who spoke Gaelic. Including their own church traditions, they brought their distinct cultures and values to Canada.
After the War of 1812, huge waves of immigrants arrived and most, who were not English, settled in Upper Canada. These immigrants consisted of Scottish and Irish people, who spoke Gaelic. Including their own church traditions, they brought their distinct cultures and values to Canada.
society -
social history
Deriving from French and English cultural backgrounds, cultures and traditions varied greatly. The people were either Anglican or Roman Catholic. Social forms and influences came from the United States, Ireland, Ukraine, and elsewhere. The government also gave shape to social structure. With a tiny population protected by the French Military, New France had been also called an “aristocratic welfare state”. Because of the structure of a colonial government, local elites such as the Family Compact were created.
Loyalists:
American colonists of varied ethnic backgrounds, Loyalists supported the British cause during the American Revolution (1775-83). They were greatly outnumbered by later immigrants. However, they and their descendants exhibited a strong and remaining influence.
Family Compact:
Dominating business and government in Upper Canada, the Family Compact was a small group of conservative families who favoured British traditions in the 1820s and 30s. They supported monarchy and the idea of keeping government under the control of appointed legislative and executive councils. Because they felt superior and that power should be upon them, they opposed the idea of having an elected Assembly. By promoting the building of canals and the establishments of banks, the Family Compact heavily influenced the progression of industrialization.
Tories:
Tories were the members of the conservative party. They were a political party associated with conservative beliefs.
Loyalists:
American colonists of varied ethnic backgrounds, Loyalists supported the British cause during the American Revolution (1775-83). They were greatly outnumbered by later immigrants. However, they and their descendants exhibited a strong and remaining influence.
Family Compact:
Dominating business and government in Upper Canada, the Family Compact was a small group of conservative families who favoured British traditions in the 1820s and 30s. They supported monarchy and the idea of keeping government under the control of appointed legislative and executive councils. Because they felt superior and that power should be upon them, they opposed the idea of having an elected Assembly. By promoting the building of canals and the establishments of banks, the Family Compact heavily influenced the progression of industrialization.
Tories:
Tories were the members of the conservative party. They were a political party associated with conservative beliefs.
government structure:
Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada: created by the Constitutional Act of 1791.
- Functioned as the lower house
- Power was subject to veto by the appointed Lieutenant Governor, Executive Council, and Legislative Council.
- The Family Compact dominated the Executive and Legislative Councils.
- Favored full establishment of the Anglican Church in Upper Canada.
- Led with authority
- Neglected the will and demands of the Legislative Assembly, who wanted a government in which it was more responsible to the people.
- This then led to the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837.