Canada in 1812 What was life like Upper

Canada in 1812 What was life like?

Upper Canada Constitutional Act of 1791 – separated the French colony of Quebec into two new colonies; Upper and Lower Canada. Upper Canada – lifestyle similar to British society A place where British loyalists settled after escaping from the American Revolution/United States.

Governor John Graves Simcoe First British governor of Upper Canada; 1792 Wanted to “recreate Britain in Canada” An aristocrat Believed in the class systems – upper, middle, lower Government, military, and leadership (i. e religion) controlled by upper class.

So, what happens now? With your partner, list 3 issues that could arise because of Simcoe’s aristocratic beliefs?

Law and Government Anglican Church/Church of England Colonial government – steered away from democracy Constitutional Act of 1791 Legislative Assembly – elected; little power Legislative Council – chosen by Lieutenant Governor (at this time, it was Simcoe) Lieutenant Governor = Executive Council; ran colony

Problems? What problems can you see with how the law and government is set up?

People Population – approx. 77, 000 Numbers are not accurate due to poor records Did not include the Indigenous population. Few wealthy, many poor Factors preventing emigration Napoleon’s war Undeveloped/”wild” land

People Cont’d Most people were immigrants from the United States Moved to Eastern United States/Canada New England, Ohio Valley

Land Safety Requirements to receive land from Upper Canada: Oath of Allegiance to British Crown Militia service Slavery was deemed illegal Abolition Act of 1793 Freed slaves older than 25 Became a “safe haven”