Revolution verses War

The American Revolution of 1775

Goal: Independence of the 13 Colonies from Britain  Britain was taxing the colonies of North America   The 13 Colonies had set up their own democratic political system that allowed the people to have a voice (Representative Government and an Elected Legislative Assembly) The colonists felt these taxes were unfair and revolted, boycotted, destroyed, terrorized in objection    The “Patriots” (Rebels) wanted to separate from Britain and form the United States of America Independence of the USA/13 Colonies would mean they would have their own government, their own laws, their own rights and freedoms, … The Patriot’s pushed out the Loyalists (Tories), forcing them to move to the only other British colonies = Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island

Post American Revolution

Starting in around 1776 Loyalists were moving into Quebec and by 1783 (in 7 years approximately 7000 people had arrived) The Loyalists have moved into British North American Territories of Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland.

Because they have been loyal to the British Government, they had all their homes, land, businesses, etc. taken away or destroyed, they felt the government owed them land, support, to start a new life – they way they had in the beginning.

 Governor Haldimand did not want the Loyalists to mix with the French because they had a liberated spirit.

  Gave the Loyalists their own land (New Brunswick; Cape Breton Isnd) Gave them provisions and tools for 3 years.

 Some of the land give was originally granted to the 1 st Nations people (battles over 1 st Nations land rights continue today)  The Constitutional Act (bicultural support, elected Legislative Assembly – with limited power, divided land into Upper and Lower Canada)  Upper Canada = English; Lower Canada = French

Revolution verses War

The War of 1812

Goal: push British out of North America and take their land (needed for farming); to prove they were a “Sovereign Nation”  In Europe – Britain and France had been at war for 20 years; all European ports were blocked; British ships would take Americans to fight for them  Needed more farmland; need to eliminate danger and resistance of 1 st Nations against colonist westward expansion.

 “The war that nobody won” – 3 years

Post War of 1812

Even though it was called “the war that nobody won”, there were some lasting effects:  American immigrants were discouraged from coming to British North America  The boarder between the USA and Canada became stable and took shape along the 49 th parallel  Demilitarization of the Great Lakes  USA became respected at a separate nation – but still protected (Kingston Fort Henry)  Canada began to unite against the common enemy, the Americans  Maritime Colonies became more prosperous.

Revolution verses War

The American Revolution 1775

Goal: Independence of the

13 Colonies from Britain The War of 1812

Goal: push British out of

North America and take their land (needed for farming); to prove they were a “Sovereign

Nation”

“Independence for the people” “Land, boarders, and power”

Revolution verses War

Both the American Revolution and the War of 1812 have been major events with respect to:

 The values, philosophies, politics and policies of Canada and the USA    The political boundaries between Canada and the USA View of culture differences (biculturalism;) 1 st Rights (land, freedom, rights) Nation’s ………………………can you identify more?