History of Canada.
                     History of Canada
INTRODUCTION
Canada, second largest country in 
the world in area (after Russia), 
occupying roughly the northern 
two-fifths of the continent of 
North America.
Source: www.britannica.com
Significant Events 
in Canadian History
John Cabot Claims 
Atlantic Coast: 
1497
John Cabot landed on the Atlantic 
coast of North America, claiming 
it for England. Cabot's discovery 
led to England's interest in what 
is now Atlantic Canada, especially 
the fishery.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Fur Trade Becomes 
a Vast Commercial 
Enterprise: 1600
From the early 17th to the mid-
19th centuries, the fur trade is a 
vast commercial enterprise 
across what is now Canada. 
Indigenous technology and 
knowledge are crucial to the 
competitive trade and to the 
survival of Europeans.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Founding of 
Halifax: 1749
Edward Cornwallis arrived in 
Chebucto harbour in advance of 
2,567 settlers. Work began on the 
town of Halifax, which replaced 
Annapolis Royal as the capital of 
Nova Scotia and established a 
strong British foothold in Nova 
Scotia.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Seven Years' War 
Begins: 1756
The Seven Years’ War is the first 
global war, fought in Europe, 
India, America, and at sea. In 
North America, Britain and 
France (aided by Indigenous 
allies) struggled for supremacy. 
With the Treaty of Paris, France 
formally cedes Canada to the 
British.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Pontiac's War: 
1763
Pontiac’s Resistance provides a 
strong show of Indigenous unity. 
Under the leadership of Ottawa 
chief Obwandiyag (Pontiac), an 
Indigenous alliance tries to resist 
European occupation by ridding 
the lower Great Lakes region of 
English settlers and soldiers
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Battle of 
Queenston 
Heights: 1812
Americans crossed the Niagara 
River and attacked the high 
ground of Queenston Heights. His 
sword drawn, Major-General 
Brock led troops into battle and 
was fatally wounded. The battle 
essentially lost; Grand River 
Mohawk warriors led by John 
Norton.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Cholera Epidemic 
Spreads: 1832
Grosse Île, near Québec, was 
opened as a quarantine station 
during the cholera epidemics and 
all ships stopped there for 
inspection. This station was a 
futile attempt by the government 
to control the disease that killed 
up to 10% of the population.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
First Telegraph 
in Canada: 1846
The Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara 
and St Catharines Telegraph 
Company was established, the 
first telegraph company in 
Canada. The first section was 
opened for use 19 Dec 1846 from 
Toronto to Hamilton. The 
telegraph profoundly altered 19th 
century life.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Grand Trunk 
Completed: 1856
The Grand Trunk Railway was 
completed from Guelph to 
Stratford, Ont; the last stretch 
from St Marys to Sarnia was 
finished on November 21. The 
GTR was a significant factor in 
the economic development of 
Canada.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
British North 
America Act: 1867
The British North America Act 
was passed by the British 
Parliament and given royal assent 
by Queen Victoria on 29 March. It 
came into effect on 1 July.
Source: 
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca