Post-Confederation Canada (1867–1914)

Post-Confederation Canada refers to the period in Canadian history following the Canadian Confederation of 1867 and lasting until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. This era was characterized by nation-building, westward expansion, economic development, and the assertion of Canadian identity.

Key aspects of this period include:

• Political Development: The establishment and strengthening of the federal government under the leadership of Prime Ministers such as Sir John A. Macdonald, Alexander Mackenzie, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The development of the party system, including the Conservative and Liberal parties, shaped political discourse and policy.

• Westward Expansion: The acquisition of vast territories, including Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory, from the Hudson's Bay Company. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) played a pivotal role in connecting the eastern provinces with the west, facilitating settlement and trade. The settlement of the prairies led to the creation of new provinces: Manitoba (1870), Saskatchewan (1905), and Alberta (1905).

• Indigenous Relations: The implementation of the numbered treaties with Indigenous peoples, often under coercive circumstances, resulted in the surrender of vast tracts of land and the establishment of the reserve system. This period also witnessed the rise of residential schools, aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society, with devastating long-term consequences. The North-West Rebellion of 1885, led by Louis Riel, highlighted ongoing tensions between the Métis and the federal government.

• Economic Growth: Significant economic growth fueled by agriculture, resource extraction (particularly minerals and timber), and industrial development. The National Policy, implemented by Macdonald, aimed to protect Canadian industries through tariffs and promote east-west trade. Immigration played a crucial role in providing labor for this expanding economy.

• Immigration: Large-scale immigration from Europe and, to a lesser extent, other parts of the world, populated the Canadian prairies and contributed to the country's diverse ethnic and cultural makeup. Government policies actively encouraged immigration to fill labor shortages and populate the western territories.

• Social and Cultural Developments: The growth of cities, the emergence of a distinct Canadian literature and art, and the development of national institutions contributed to a growing sense of Canadian identity. The rise of social reform movements addressed issues such as poverty, temperance, and women's suffrage.

• External Relations: Canada gradually gained more autonomy from Great Britain in terms of foreign policy. Canadian involvement in the Second Boer War marked a significant step in asserting Canadian independence on the world stage. The period ended on the brink of World War I, which would profoundly impact Canada's political, economic, and social landscape.