The Canadian/American Difference

1. The Canadian/American Difference David Ziegler

2. National Anthems

3. The Star Spangled Banner • Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream: 'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! • And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand, Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause. it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust" And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

4. The Star Spangled Banner was wrote by Francis Scott Key upon witnessing the attack on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, where the Americans had defeated the Royal Navy.

5. O Canada! • O Canada!Our home and native land!True patriot love in all thy sons command.With glowing hearts we see thee rise,The True North strong and free!From far and wide, O Canada,We stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free!O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

6. O Canada was written by Calixa Lavallée, for the 'Congrès National des Canadiens-Français' (National Congress of French-Canadians) in 1880, but it was soon forgotten, only to be brought back when the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall toured Canada in 1901. The lyrics were in French, in 1906 the music was published and translated into English. It became nationally recognized as the national anthem in 1980

7. The Difference • The Star Spangled Banner was written out of the ecstasy from being a victorious nation in war, the song reflects that as being a war anthem, O Canada was written for the love of a nation and its people, the lyrics reflect that, both songs are nationalistic, however The Star Spangled Banner has a sense of brutality.

8. Government

9. American • The American Government is divided into three branches:1. Legislative, comprised by the Senate (100 Senators -- 2 from each state) and the House of Represenatives (435 Representatives apportioned by population).2. Judicial, comprised by state courts and federal courts. Federal courts have three levels: district court, court of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.3. Executive, comprised by the President of the U.S. whose powers are outlined in the Constitution.Republicans generally hold conservative values: they're in favour of lower taxes, less government, defending unborn children, oppose affirmative action, etc.Democrats are generally liberal: they favour more involvement of government in people's lives, higher taxes, women's access to abortion, in favour of affirmative action, etc.

10. Canadian • Ridings and Members of ParliamentCanada is divided into 308 electoral districts or ridings. Voters in each riding elect one member of parliament or MP to send to the House of Commons. The Senate in Canada is not an elected body. • Federal Political PartiesThere are 16 registered federal political parties. Two other parties are eligible to register. Each party can nominate one candidate for each riding. During the Canadian federal election in 2006, representatives of only four federal political parties won seats in the House of Commons. • Forming the GovernmentThe party that wins the most ridings in a general federal election is asked by the Governor General to form the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister of Canada. If the party wins in more than 154 ridings, it will have a majority government, which makes it much easier to get legislation passed in the House of Commons. If the winning party wins 154 seats or fewer, it will form a minority government. In order to get legislation through the House, a minority government usually has to adjust policies to get enough votes from MPs of other parties. A minority government must constantly work to maintain the confidence of the House of Commons in order to stay in power. • The Official OppositionThe political party that wins the second highest number of seats in the House of Commons becomes the Official Opposition.

11. British Independence

12. Canadian Independence • Feb 5, 1841- Province of Canada created by merging Upper and Lower Canada, some powers delegated to elected Legislative Assembly. • Feb 14, 1853- The Canadian Currency Act allows Canada to adopt her own Currency • Jan 1, 1867- British North America Act:-Dominion of Canada created-Parliament of Canada created-Position of Prime Minister of Canada created-Four Provincial governments created-Governor of Canada is now styled "Governor-General"-Canada's supreme political authority rests with the Queen and her British Government. • Jun 16, 1891- John Abbott becomes first Canadian-born Prime Minister. • Oct 1899- Canadian regiment deployed to fight for Britain in South African Boer War. • Aug 19, 1914- Prime Minister Borden declares war, pledging Canada's support to "The Empire"

13. 1919- Nickle Resolution passed. Canadians can no longer receive knighthoods, or other peerage titles from Britain. • Jan 10, 1920- Canada is permitted to join the League of Nations as an independent, free-voting member. • 1922- King George signs a proclaimation granting Canada its first national symbols: a coat of arms and the national colors red and white. • 1923- The UK government allows Canada to conduct an independent fishing treaty with the United States without British representatives. • 1927- The Royal Style and Titles Act is passed. It recognizes that the British monarch is a "separate" king in each different dominion. • Dec 11, 1931- Statute of Westminster / Founding of "Commonwealth":-British Parliament can no longer make laws for Canada.-Canada can modify or repeal past British-made legislation-Canada has right to it's own foreign policy.-Virtual political independence from Britain • The Statute of Westminster also mandates that Canada (and all the other dominions) must approve any changes to the monarchy or the British royal family in the future.

14. 1936- The Canadian Parliament votes to approve the abdication of King Edward VIII. • Sep 1939- World War II: One week after Britain declares war, Prime Minister Mackenzie King declares war, pledging Canada's "voluntary" support to Britain • Nov 9, 1945- Canada joins the United Nations as an independent, free-voting member • 1947- Canada opens first independent embassy, in Washington, DC. • 1947- King George VI issues Letters Patent which states that the Governor-General will always be considered the supreme political authority in Canada, unless the monarch is specifically consulted. • Jan 1, 1947- Canadian Citizenship Act gives all Canadians Canadian citizenship. Before, they were considered British subjects. • Jun 22, 1948- King George VI abandons the title of "Emperor", formally ending the concept of the "British Empire" • 1949- Supreme Court of Canada given supreme powers, cases can no longer be appealed to Britain.Feb 6, 1952- Queen Elizabeth II is proclaimed "Queen of Canada", the first British monarch to receive such a title. • Feb 29, 1952- First Canadian-born Governor General is appointed by Prime Minister St. Laurent

15. Around this time the use of the official name "Dominion of Canada" begins to be phased out in favor of just "Canada." • 1956- Britain invades Egypt in response to Suez crisis. The government of Lester Pearson does not support the move, marking the first time Canada opposed a British foreign policy initiative. • Feb 15, 1965- Canada adopts its own national flag, turfing the Red Ensign and Union Jack. • 1967- The Order of Canada is created and becomes the highest award granted to Canadians • Apr, 1971- Governor General Roland Michener makes a state visit to the Caribbean, the first time a Canadian Governor General visits a foreign nation in a Head of State capacity. • 1972- Unique Canadian medals for military bravery, courage, and valour are created, to replace British honors such as the Victoria Cross. • 1975- British citizens living in Canada are no longer able to vote in Canadian elections. • 1977- The Canadian Citizenship Act is revised. -The phrase "A Canadian citizen is a British subject" is removed from passports.-Canadian Citizenship becomes the only legal form of citizenship in Canada. • 1977- The Governor General assumes nearly all diplomatic duties from the Queen, including receiving foreign ambassadors to Canada and accepting their letters of credence. • Jul 1, 1980- "O Canada" is officially adopted as Canada's national anthem, replacing "God Save the Queen." • Apr 17, 1982- Constitution Act is Revised.-The British Parliament can no longer amend Canada's Constitution. • Oct 27, 1982- "Dominion Day" is renamed "Canada Day" • 1988- Canadian Heraldic Authority is established, granting Canadians the right to issue their own Coats of Arms. • 1999- The phrase "and that I will uphold my duties as a Canadian citizen, and obey the laws of Canada" is added to the Canadian oath of citizenship, along with the oath to the Queen. 2004- All letters of credence from foreign ambassadors are now formally addressed to the Governor General of Canada, and not the Queen

16. American Independence • April 14, 1775 - Massachusetts Governor Gage is secretly ordered by the British to enforce the Coercive Acts and suppress "open rebellion" among colonists by using all necessary force. • April 18, 1775 - General Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapons depot. • That night, Paul Revere and William Dawes are sent from Boston to warn colonists. Revere reaches Lexington about midnight and warns Sam Adams and John Hancock who are hiding out there. • At dawn on April 19 about 70 armed Massachusetts militiamen stand face to face on Lexington Green with the British advance guard. An unordered 'shot heard around the world' begins the American Revolution. A volley of British muskets followed by a charge with bayonets leaves eight Americans dead and ten wounded. The British regroup and head for the depot in Concord, destroying the colonists' weapons and supplies. At the North Bridge in Concord, a British platoon is attacked by militiamen, with 14 casualties. • British forces then begin a long retreat from Lexington back to Boston and are harassed and shot at all along the way by farmers and rebels and suffer over 250 casualties. News of the events at Lexington and Concord spreads like wildfire throughout the Colonies. • April 23, 1775 - The Provincial Congress in Massachusetts orders 13,600 American soldiers to be mobilized. Colonial volunteers from all over New England assemble and head for Boston, then establish camps around the city and begin a year long siege of British-held Boston. • May 10, 1775 - American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold capture Fort Ticonderoga in New York. The fort contains a much needed supply of military equipment including cannons which are then hauled to Boston by ox teams. • May 10, 1775 - TheSecond Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, with John Hancock elected as its president. On May 15, the Congress places the colonies in a state of defense. On June 15, the Congress unanimously votes to appoint George Washington general and commander-in-chief of the new Continental Army.

17. June 17, 1775 - The first major fight between British and American troops occurs at Boston in the Battle of Bunker Hill. American troops are dug in along the high ground of Breed's Hill (the actual location) and are attacked by a frontal assault of over 2000 British soldiers who storm up the hill. The Americans are ordered not to fire until they can see "the whites of their eyes." As the British get within 15 paces, the Americans let loose a deadly volley of musket fire and halt the British advance. The British then regroup and attack 30 minutes later with the same result. A third attack, however, succeeds as the Americans run out of ammunition and are left only with bayonets and stones to defend themselves. The British succeed in taking the hill, but at a loss of half their force, over a thousand casualties, with the Americans losing about 400, including important colonial leader, General Joseph Warren. • July 3, 1775 - At Cambridge, Massachusetts, George Washington takes command of the Continental Army which now has about 17,000 men. • July 5, 1775 - The Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition which expresses hope for a reconciliation with Britain, appealing directly to the King for help in achieving this. In August, King George III refuses even to look at the petition and instead issues a proclamation declaring the Americans to be in a state of open rebellion. • July 6, 1775 - The Continental Congress issues a Declaration on the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms detailing the colonists' reasons for fighting the British and states the Americans are "resolved to die free men rather than live as slaves." • July 26, 1775 - An American Post Office is established with Ben Franklin as Postmaster General. • November 28, 1775 - The American Navy is established by Congress. The next day, Congress appoints a secret committee to seek help from European nations. • December 23, 1775 - King George III issues a royal proclamation closing the American colonies to all commerce and trade, to take effect in March of 1776. Also in December, Congress is informed that France may offer support in the war against Britain.

18. January 5, 1776 - The assembly of New Hampshire adopts the first American state constitution. • January 9, 1776 - Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence. It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states. • March 4-17, 1776 - American forces capture Dorchester Heights which overlooks Boston harbor. Captured British artillery from Fort Ticonderoga is placed on the heights to enforce the siege against the British in Boston. The British evacuate Boston and set sail for Halifax. George Washington then rushes to New York to set up defenses, anticipating the British plan to invade New York City. • April 6, 1776 - The Continental Congress declares colonial shipping ports open to all traffic except the British. The Congress had already authorized privateer raids on British ships and also advised disarming all Americans loyal to England. • April 12, 1776 - The North Carolina assembly is the first to empower its delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Britain. • May 2, 1776 - The American revolutionaries get the much needed foreign support they had been hoping for. King Louis XVI of France commits one million dollars in arms and munitions. Spain then also promises support. • May 10, 1776 - The Continental Congress authorizes each of the 13 colonies to form local (provincial) governments. • June 28, 1776 - In South Carolina, American forces at Fort Moultrie successfully defend Charleston against a British naval attack and inflict heavy damage on the fleet. • June-July, 1776 - A massive British war fleet arrives in New York Harbor consisting of 30 battleships with 1200 cannon, 30,000 soldiers, 10,000 sailors, and 300 supply ships, under the command of General William Howe and his brother Admiral Lord Richard Howe. • June-July, 1776 - On June 7, Richard Henry Lee, a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, presents a formal resolution calling for America to declare its independence from Britain. Congress decides to postpone its decision on this until July. On June 11, Congress appoints a committee to draft a declaration of independence. Committee members are Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Livingston and Roger Sherman. Jefferson is chosen by the committee to prepare the first draft of the declaration, which he completes in one day. Just seventeen days later, June 28, Jefferson's Declaration of Independence is ready and is presented to the Congress, with changes made by Adams and Franklin. On July 2, twelve of thirteen colonial delegations (New York abstains) vote in support of Lee's resolution for independence. On July 4, the Congress formally endorses Jefferson's Declaration, with copies to be sent to all of the colonies. The actual signing of the document occurs on August 2, as most of the 55 members of Congress place their names on the parchment copy.

19. July 4, 1776 - United States Declaration of Independence • 12, 1776 - As a show of July force, two British frigates sail up the Hudson River blasting their guns. Peace feelers are then extended to the Americans. At the request of the British, Gen. Washington meets with Howe's representatives in New York and listens to vague offers of clemency for the American rebels. Washington politely declines, then leaves. • August 27-29, 1776 - Gen. Howe leads 15,000 soldiers against Washington's army in the Battle of Long Island. Washington, outnumbered two to one, suffers a severe defeat as his army is outflanked and scatters. The Americans retreat to Brooklyn Heights, facing possible capture by the British or even total surrender. • But at night, the Americans cross the East River in small boats and escape to Manhattan, then evacuate New York City and retreat up through Manhattan Island to Harlem Heights. Washington now changes tactics, avoiding large scale battles with the British by a series of retreats. • September 11, 1776 - A peace conference is held on Staten Island with British Admiral, Lord Richard Howe, meeting American representatives including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The conference fails as Howe demands the colonists revoke the Declaration of Independence. • September 16, 1776 - After evacuating New York City, Washington's army repulses a British attack during the Battle of Harlem Heights in upper Manhattan. Several days later, fire engulfs New York City and destroys over 300 buildings. • September 22, 1776 - After he is caught spying on British troops on Long Island, Nathan Hale is executed without a trial, his last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." • September 26, 1776 - Congress appoints Jefferson, Franklin and Silas Deane to negotiate treaties with European governments. Franklin and Deane then travel to France seeking financial and military aid. • October 9, 1776 - San Francisco is established by Spanish missionaries on the California coast. • October 11, 1776 - A big defeat for the inexperienced American Navy on Lake Champlain at the hands of a British fleet of 87 gunships. In the 7 hour Battle of Valcour Bay most of the American flotilla of 83 gunships is crippled with the remaining ships destroyed in a second engagement two days later.

20. October 28, 1776 - After evacuating his main forces from Manhattan, Washington's army suffers heavy casualties in the Battle of White Plains from Gen. Howe's forces. Washington then retreats westward. • November, 1776 - More victories for the British as Fort Washington on Manhattan and its precious stores of over 100 cannon, thousands of muskets and cartridges is captured by Gen. Howe. The Americans also lose Fort Lee in New Jersey to Gen. Cornwallis. Washington's army suffers 3000 casualties in the two defeats. Gen. Washington abandons the New York area and moves his forces further westward toward the Delaware River. Cornwallis now pursues him. • December 6, 1776 - The naval base at Newport, Rhode Island, is captured by the British. • December 11, 1776 - Washington takes his troops across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. The next day, over concerns of a possible British attack, the Continental Congress abandons Philadelphia for Baltimore. • Among Washington's troops is Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, who now writes "...These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country: but he that stands it NOW deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." • December 25-26, 1776 - On Christmas, George Washington takes 2400 of his men and recrosses the Delaware River. • Washington then conducts a surprise raid on 1500 British-Hessians (German mercenaries) at Trenton, New Jersey. • The Hessians surrender after an hour with nearly 1000 taken prisoner by Washington who suffers only six wounded (including future president Lt. James Monroe). Washington reoccupies Trenton. The victory provides a much needed boost to the morale of all American Patriots.

21. Official Languages

22. America • The US has no official language, this reflects on the amount of different cultures that have pooled in the US.

23. Canada • Canada’s official languages are English and French. This reflects on our history of mainly French and British settlers

24. Health Care

25. America • America has a private health care system, this coincides with the free market economy system where you make your own successes.

26. Canada • Canada operates on a public health care system where the government helps subside medical expenses. This works because Canada operates in a mixed economy