The History of Canada

The history of Canada cannot be completely studied withour referring to the history of the United States. While each is an independent nation, obtained by different means, the history of settlement and exploration of the two areas are intertwined due to their shared geography- including four of the Great Lakes, the Rocky Mountains, numerous rivers, the Appalachain Highlands and the Interior Plains. Canada obtained their independence from Britain by constitutional changes that took place over many years as opposed to the United States who achieved independence through a single war.

Discovery of Canada

As with any country's history, there are some discrepancies over who the first explorers and discoverers of Canada were. Most records show the earliest discovery of Canada was made by the Vikings. Stories and verse handed down from generation to generation show that in AD 985, Vikings traveling from Iceland to Greenland were taken off course and seen along the coast of Labrador. The forrests of the new land interested the Vikings as their own settlements lacked lumber, and further explorations persued.

In AD 1000, Leif Ericson was the first European to land on the land of North America. It is claimed that this trip became the first of many Viking voyages and a colony was established in what was described by Vikings as Vinland, and later identified as the northern tip of Newfoundland.

During the year 1497, John Cabot, an Italian explorer, sailed from Bristol, England in search of a new trade route to the Orient for King Henry VII of England. The eastern shores of Canada were rediscovered. Cabot sailed along the coast of North America between Baffin Island to Maryland, giving England a claim to the land by right of discovery.

During the 1500's and 1600's, French explorers also discovered parts of Canada. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded the first permanent Canadian colony at Quebec.

Several years of wars and fighting existed between France and England as each wanted rule over the new land; and between both the French and British with the Indians of the lands. After each fight, terroritories changed hands with England gaining control over most of what is now Canada. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 gave England control.

Charlottetown, Canada was founded in 1764- and named after England's Queen Charlotte. The area was considered ideal for settlement by a British crown surveyor and soon after, Charlottetown became the capital of Prince Edward Island as well as the center of government. Even today, the city carries with it the cultural and political heart of the island.

The Birth of Canada

Over 100 years ago, elected officials gathered in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island in order to discuss the possibility of uniting three jurisdictions. At the meeting however, a larger issue than uniting jurisdictions was brought to the table- the suggestion was to create a country. Known as the Charlottetown Conference of September 1864, the meeting to discuss the union of colonies resulted in the birth of Canada on July 1st, 1867.

Canadian Politics

In September of 1984, the country's political landscape was cahnged when the Progressive Conservative Party won the national election. Led by Brian Mulroney, the Conservatives won the highest political majority vote in the history of Canada. A free trade pact with the US was passed, which was dominantly opposed by both the New Democratic and Liberal parties.