Chapter 8

Imperialist Policies and Practices

• The last chapter was the rise of imperialism in our world.

• In this chapter we will look at how these imperialist practices affected the indigenous people of the world.

• To what extent should societies be held responsible for the affects on these people.

Chapter Issues

• How well has Canada addressed the impacts of imperialism?

• To what extent should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization?

• Read “White Man’s Burden” on page 159

Imperial Economic Expansion in North America

• Global expansion began in north and south America during the 15th century.

• The Europeans discovered rich natural resources like cod and gold.

• The drive for more pushed these governments to expand their empires.

• Canada’s history is traced back to French and British territorial expansion.

• Both created colonies in the new world that promoted economic development, settlement, and military security.

French and British Rivalry in North America

• Trade was very lucrative.• Both sides wanted control of

the fur trade.• Companies were created

that would control the fur trade.

• Economic and social rivalry continues until well into the 19th century.

• Much of this rivalry led to conflict with the First nations

• Often the First Nations would join different sides of the wars between the French and English.

• Religion became an issue between the English and French.

• At first the contact was quite cooperative.

• The relationship was mutually beneficial.

• Between 1701 and 1923 many treaties were.

• The First Nations viewed these treaties as sacred agreements.

• Many of the treaties were misunderstood because of the language barrier.

• The British expected First Nations to give up land for colonial settlement and to protect it from attack.

• The First Nations had no concept of giving up land.

• Their culture shared the land with everyone and this difference between the two cultures were not written in these treaties.

• When this was discovered trust and good faith were lost

• As the British continued to expand, the attitude changed for the welfare of the First Nations.

• British ignored the treaties and replaced them with more paternalistic practices.

Confederation• Canada gained

confederation in 1867.• The confederation was

created without any consultation with the First nations.

• After confederation a department was created to deal with the First Nations

• Read page 168 and what John A. MacDonald said.

The CPR

• Most of the west was occupied by different bands of First Nations that had been there for thousands of years.

• The British and the colonial offices saw the west as being open for expansion and settlement.

• The advance of the CPR had life changing affects on the First Nations.

• The land was taken from the First Nations.

• They could no longer move around to hunt and fish.

Comparisons

• North America was not the only place where this all happened.

• India went through the same type of experience.

• The East India Company controlled the land and the people of India.

• During the 20th century, a man called Gandhi confronted the British over colonization.

• He used pacifism to show his belief that the imposition of British culture on the Indian citizens was unjust.

• Look at the figure on page 171.

• What does it say about the relationship between Gandhi and British colonial rulers in India

Addressing Effects of Imperialist Policies

• Think about the issues facing aboriginal peoples in Canadian society.

• The threat of losing their culture and language was a real threat.

• Should today’s society be held responsible for the actions of their ancestors?

Aboriginal land Claims

• The land claims go back a long way.

• There are more than 70 treaties in Canada.

• In some areas there are no formal agreements or treaties.

• Land claims have not been settled.

• Each wants its traditional territory.

• Many agreements have gone to the supreme court of Canada in order to be settled.

• Read page 173 about one particular case.

• See map on page 174 to see how many land claims have not been settled.

• Read Dr. Maris Battiste on page 174

• Read page 175• Read page 176-177