Introduction

Canada’s past is characterized by a rich and diverse history that spans various

significant events and periods. Understanding the history is of greatest importance as it

provides significant insights into the present and future. This essay discusses the

comprehensive overview of the history of Canada, focusing on key topics such as the First

Nations, the arrival of Europeans, and the confederation, and additionally, explores the

impact of world wars and the great depression and lastly, the concept of multiculturalism and

migration.

The first nation

The term first nations depict the indigenous groups, who have inhabited Canada for

thousands of years. It refers to 617 different communities, divided into six geographical

groups comprising Woodland First Nations, Iroquoian First Nations, Plains First Nations in

the Prairies, Plateau First Nations, Pacific Coast First Nations, and the First Nations of the

Mackenzie and Yukon River Basin (Facing history and ourselves, 2017). Their substantially

rich and diverse culture, languages, and traditions played an important role in the

development of Canadian originality. The culture and traditions, and their knowledge of the

environment were passed down for generations, forming the basis for Canada’s cultural

heritage. The influence on Canada’s identity and promoting the recognition of cultural

diversity are the contributions of various societies like woodland Cree in the east to the Inuit

in the Arctic. Their close connections with the nature surrounding them and their use of the

resources have also greatly contributed to the formation of the environment. However, the

arrival of the Europeans in the late 15 and 16 centuries greatly impacted those communities,

where they were faced with colonialism, and forced assimilation.

The arrival of the Europeans in Canada marked a significant moment in the history of

Canada, as it brought a dynamic shift in the cultural and social landscape of the country.

During the late 15th century, the Europeans especially the British and France began to explore

and settle in various parts of Canada. During that period, explorers such as John Cabot and

Jacques Cartier claimed parts of what would become Canada for European powers. These

initial encounters marked the beginning of colonization, as European nations desired to

establish settlements and increase their empires over the provinces. Cartier, a French

navigator, embarked on three voyages to Canada between 1534 and 1542 (Onion et al. 2009).

Cartier's discovery set the foundations for the France colonies in North America.

Additionally, his expedition provided valuable information regarding the geography of

Canada, exposing it to further exploration and colonization by Europeans.

The arrival of Europeans brought new technologies, diseases, and socio-economic

systems that perilously changed the traditional way of life for First Nations people residing

there. The destructive outcomes of colonization such as violence, forced integration of their

customs, language, and institution, and displacement continue to shape the relationship

between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada today. As a result, the presence of

Europeans in Canada played a vital role in shaping the history of Canada into the country it is

today as a diverse and multicultural country.

Evaluating the Significance of the Canadian Confederation

The Canadian Confederation, one of the most important events in the history of

Canada, played a crucial role in the creation of the nation that we know today. The

Confederation, which occurred in 1867, brought together the provinces of Ontario, Quebec,
New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single dominion within the British Empire (Waite,

2013). Through confederation, it laid the foundation for the development of a strong and

independent nation. Sir John A. Macdonald, who served as the first Prime Minister of Canada

is considered as one of the key figures in the Confederation (The Canadian Encyclopedia,

2013). He saw the Confederation as an opportunity to unify the British North colonies and

create a powerful and centralized government. Confederation brought transformations to

Canada, which encompassed the implementation of a governance system, the enlargement of

national boundaries, and the inception of a nationwide railway network. Moreover, it laid the

foundation, for Canada's progression and evolution as a nation.

World Wars and its impact on Canada

During the world war, Canada had substantially contributed to their British

counterparts by fighting alongside its allies despite being a small and frail country. Their

bravery and determination in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele

demonstrated their exceptional military prowess (Brennan, 2011). The war had a significant

social and economic impact on Canada. While the war contributed to increasing patriotism

and nationalism, its aftermath had a great impact on the psychology and overall well-being of

the soldiers and people involved. The war brought an economic boom regarding

manufacturing and agricultural production but there was an increasing shortage of labor to

work in the factors and fields leading to increasing labor wages and ultimately it led to a high

inflation rate in the economy. As the expenses for the war increased government borrowing

and external debts increased greatly.

Analysing the impact of the great depression on Canada

Canada, like the rest of the world, suffered a major depression from 1929-1939. There has

been widespread poverty and unemployment in the economy since the collapse of the global
economy. There was rising stress and tension among the public, leading to increasing radical

ideologies, and stimulating the reforms of government and its intervention in the economy .

The government implemented certain measures to address the problem, such as the Canadian

Wheat Board, the Department of Public Work, and the Unemployment Relief Act. Amid the

desperation, the Canadians showed resilience and unity in overcoming the situation.

Multiculturalism

The evaluation of multicultural policies in Canada is one of the most important

transformations in the history of Canada. With the increase in diversity and immigrants

across the globe, it was started as a response to these changes. In the past, policies focused on

assimilating immigrant populations into a dominant Anglo-French culture. However, at

present the country embraces cultural diversity. The government promotes it as a means to

ensure unity, openness, and preservation of the cultural heritage. It provides a platform for

intercultural dialogue, understanding, and respect. This policy has not only made Canada a

mosaic of various ethnicities but also a representation for successful integration and creation

of an inclusive community.

Migration

Over the years, people from different parts of the country have migrated to Canada in search

of a better life opportunity. Canada is considered a country of diversity, where people from

early French and British have settled and many more recent migrations from Asia, Africa,

and the Middle East, opening the country with both opportunities as well as challenges. On

one hand, new ideas and ideas promoting national growth and development helped to

establish a stable economy and a dynamic culture and on the other, created tensions and

friction as many cultural groups demanded to find common ground and immerse themselves

in Canadian culture.
Conclusion

The history of Canada shows a rich culture and diversity that they have experienced since

their ancestor. Starting with the First Nation to the arrival of Europeans opened up a different

and profound experience for the Canadians helping it to build the nation it is today. A

significant transformation was brought up with the confederation, becoming a part of world

wars and overcoming the challenges of the Great Depression. Lastly, multiculturalism depicts

the core of Canadian identity, fostering diversity and comprehensive culture and traditions.

Through exploring the history of Canada one can gain a deeper understanding of the rich

culture and tradition of Canada that has been passed on for generations.
 References

Brennan, P. H. (2011). Canadians and the memory of World War 1: One hundred years on.

Comillas Journal of International Relations.

https://revistas.comillas.edu/index.php/internationalrelations/article/download/4978/6454/

Facing history and ourselves. (2017). Historical Background.

https://www.facinghistory.org/en-ca/resource-library/historical-background

Onion, A., Sullivan, M., Mullen, M., & Zapata, C. (2009). Jacques Cartier. History.com.

https://www.history.com/topics/exploration/jacques-cartier

The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2013). Sir John A. Macdonald.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-john-alexander-macdonald

Waite, P. B. (2013). Confederation. The Canadian Encyclopedia.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/confederation