Who were the first people to live in the area considered to be Canada today?
Before Europe began to colonize Canada, aboriginal people had lived in the area for thousands of years. Called The First Nations, these include the Cree, Algonquin, Saulteaux and others.
What was the area colonized by the French called while under French control?
New France, or Nouvelle-France, was the country's colony in North America. It lasted from 1534 to 1763.
What trade flourished in New France?
The fur trade was vastly profitable across Canada. Demand for beaver pelts and animal skins in Europe was high.
Did the U.S. ever try to invade Canada?
In June 1812 America launched an invasion of Canada. The British empire's fight to resist Napoleon interfered with American overseas shipping, and America thought conquering Canada to fix it would be easy. They were wrong and their invasion failed.
Which Europeans were the first to land in Canada?
In about the year 1000, Vikings landed in Newfoundland and even attempted to set up a colony on its northern tip. They were led by Leif Erikson.
Did Canada fight in Word War II?
Canadian troops served alongside the Allies all over Europe and the North Atlantic during the war. Over 30,000 Canadians lost their lives over the course of World War II.
Which country set up colonies in Canada, but abandoned them?
In the early 1500s Portugal established small fishing outposts in Nova Scotia. These were abandoned and the Portuguese focused on colonizing South America instead.
Which Canadian city was one of the earliest permanent settlements?
In 1608 Samuel de Champlain founded what would eventually become Quebec City in the province of Quebec. Champlain traversed North America and Lake Champlain is named for him.
What is the official language of Canada?
French and English are both the official languages of Canada. French joined English as an official language in 1969 when the Official Languages Act was passed by the Canadian government.
In 1642 a group of religious militants from France thought they were inspired by a dream sent from God to build a city in the Canadian wilderness. They built Ville Marie, which was supposed to be a place of conversion and piety. It became Montreal.
Even though the English claimed Canada, which country was the first to set up permanent colonies there?
Even though the English claimed the land when John Cabot landed, they didn't set up any permanent colonies. They didn't stop France from colonizing the area either.
Why did New France come to an end?
France had been engaged in the Seven Years War, an international conflict which ended after Great Britain defeated both France and Spain. After losing the war, France lost most of its North American colonies to the British. This included New France.
Which of these American states initially belonged to France?
France's territory in North America originally included both New France and a large stretch of land that went from New Orleans all the way through what would become Montana and into Canada. The first was lost to Great Britain in war, the second was sold to the U.S. by Napoleon Bonaparte.
What were the remaining portions of New France called under British rule?
Many originally French places were given new names under English rule. For example, the French colony of Arcadia became the colony of New Brunswick.
How many provinces does Canada have?
Canada is a federation of ten provinces. These include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Which English monarch did John Cabot claim parts of Canada for?
When John Cabot set foot in what would later become Canada in 1497, he was in the service of King Henry VII. England, however, would not actually control that land until the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
What is Canada's government considered?
While Canada is considered a constitutional monarchy and Queen Elizabeth II the head of state, England does not run the country.
Who was the first prime minister of Canada?
Canada's first prime minster was a controversial figure. He was both incredibly competent and corrupt and under his leadership Canada gained new land and a new massive railroad.
Has Canada ever had a female prime minister?
Canada has had one female prime minister. Kim Campbell served as prime minister for a few months in 1993.
Which is the only country on Earth larger than Canada?
Canada is the second-largest country on Earth, at 9,984,670 square kilometers. Russia is the only larger country, with 17,098,242 square kilometers of land in its borders.
When did Canada become an independent country?
On July 1, 1876, the British North America Act was passed. This was when Canada officially become a self-governing entity within the British Empire.
Why did Canada get involved in World War I?
At the time of World War I, Canada was a British dominion. This meant that when Britain declared war on Germany, Canada was automatically involved.
How many Canadians died in World War I?
Nearly 61,000 Canadians were killed during World War I. Over 172,000 were wounded in battle.
What language does Canada's name come from?
The word "Canada" comes from the Huron-Iroquoian language. It is derived from the word "Kanata," which means "village."
Which Canadian province has discussed becoming independent of Canada?
The French-speaking province of Quebec has held two referendums about whether or not it wanted to begin the process of becoming independent from the rest of Canada. Voters rejected the idea twice, in 1980 and 1995.
Canada has North America's oldest:
Hudson's Bay Company, which began as a fur trading company and now owns a chain of retail stores internationally, is the oldest commercial corporation in America. It was founded in 1670.
How many territories does Canada have?
Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. These territories are the Northwest territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
How many federal politicians have been assassinated in Canada?
In 1865 legislator Thomas D'Arcy McGee was assassinated on his way into his Ottawa home. His death was tied to the Fenian Irish Independence Movement, a group trying to overthrow the Canadian government.
Which sport has its roots in Canada?
Basketball was designed in 1891 by a Canadian man, Dr. James Naismith. While conducting a PE class at the International YMCA Training School in Massachusetts, he invented the game. It was first played by college students from Quebec.
Which explorer claimed the land that would become Canada for France?
Between 1534 and 1542, explorer Jacques Cartier made three expeditions from Europe to future Canada. He claimed the land for King Francis I of France.
Who was the first European to land in Canada after the Vikings?
Venetian explorer Giovanni Caboto, called John Cabot in English, was the first European to land in Canada after the Vikings. He landed in 1497 and claimed the land for England.
The religion of Quebec was:
Due to Quebec's French roots, Roman Catholicism influenced its culture for centuries. This caused tension when the Protestant British empire gained control of New France.
Who fled to Canada during the American Revolution?
More than 40,000 people who had remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution fled violence and persecution in America. They settled in Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick.
When was slavery abolished in Canada?
In 1833 Great Britain banned slavery throughout its entire empire. As a part of the empire, Canada became a safe haven for people fleeing slavery in America.
For centuries Canada's economy was based on:
The fur trade boomed in young Canada. The country also exported numerous other natural resources, such as timber and fish.
