Sept 12 Class

Chapter 2 Life In British Canada con't,

The South African War was a significant war for Canadians because it demonstrated Canada's loyalty to Great Britain and the Queen.  Canada was a dominion at the time but did not have any foreign powers.  English and French Canada were divided about going to war in South Africa.  Laurier convinced most people to support the war but Henry Bourassa shared his opposition to having Canadian troops fight overseas.  Before the Canadians arrived, Great Britain was experiencing great casulaties and as a 'colonial power' other European countries were rideculing Britain for not being able to fight against the Boers (who also had German support) and Zulu's.  Canada's help showed that Great Britain's colonies were many, but most of all loyal.

Media: Video about the Boer War

The Alaska Boundary Dispute
Alaska was a new American territory that was purchased from the Russians in 1867.  Gold was discovered in the late 1890s and made this territory much more attractive and more valuable for the Americans (See P. 25).  The Americans and especially the Canadians were making claims on Alaska because of the borders close proximity to Canada.  Britain became involved in this dispute because Britain was responsible for Canada's foreign affairs.  Britain wanted to improve relations with the United States.  Laurier saw this relationship between Great Britain and United States as a concern while Great Britain saw it as a way to improve American-British relations.  In 1903, the Alaska boundary dispute went in favor of the Americans and Canada became outraged that Britain sided in favor with the Americans.



The Naval Question




Reciprocity