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The Laurier Era

The Laurier Era. “Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth Century shall be the century of Canada and of Canadian development. For the next 75 years, nay for the next 100 years, Canada shall be the star towards which all men who love progress and freedom shall come.

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The Laurier Era

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  1. The Laurier Era “Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth Century shall be the century of Canada and of Canadian development. For the next 75 years, nay for the next 100 years, Canada shall be the star towards which all men who love progress and freedom shall come. Speech at Massey Hall, Toronto, October 14, 1904 French-speaking Catholic Liberal Faced several key issues leading towards WW1…

  2. Alaska Boundary Dispute: Klondike gold rush 1897, US claims that access is within its borders but Canada disagrees Delegates meet to discuss; 3 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Brit. Britain voted in favour of USA, calling it a “compromise” Canadians angry.

  3. Boer War • South Africa was a British colony but with some autonomy • Gold and diamonds found, Brits want more control = war • Brits ask for Canada’s help in South Africa • Nation dividedabout whether to support • Solution - volunteers can go funded by Cdn. Gov.

  4. Naval Issue • Britain asks for help paying for their Navy & promise to protect Canada in return • Laurier refuses and Canada forms its own Navy in 1910- nation divided

  5. Racial tension • Head tax of $500 put on all Asian immigrants in 1903, impossible • Anti-Asian riots in Vancouver 1907 • R.B. Bennett (a future PM) said in 1907 that “British Columbia must remain a white man’s country” • Asians already in Canada couldn’t vote, be lawyers, teachers…

  6. Reciprocity • Western farmers wanted free trade with US • Manufacturing companies in Ontario & PQwere afraid to compete with cheaper US imported manufactured goods • Major election issue, Laurier loses, Robert Borden and Conservatives come to power • This affirms Canada’s alliance with Britain, distancing us from the USA

  7. Social Reform • Canada is industrializing, urbanizing and facing growing immigration • Many reformers, especially women, fight for changes • Compulsory education for children 5-12 • Better sewers and infra-structure • Votes (suffrage) for women • Running water • Cleaner cities • Safer working conditions

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