How did the British come to Canada?

Migrant Origins. People of English descent came to Canada either directly from England or indirectly through the American colonies. In the later period of the settlement of the Prairie West (see Dominion Lands Policy), many English immigrants were attracted to Canada by the offer of free land.

Why did the British explorers come to Canada?

When First Nations came into contact with European settlers and explorers, the first people they met were often traders and missionaries. Many of the first Europeans to come to Canada wanted to set up trading networks. In particular, they were after commodities like beaver pelts.

When did the British explorers come to Canada?

Exploration of Canada by Europeans began with the Norse in the late 10th century on the country’s East Coast. Following Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1534, over the course of the next three centuries British and French explorers gradually moved further west….Exploration.

Published Online	March 29, 2009
Last Edited	May 21, 2015

Why did the British come to Canada West?

In 1841, Britain united the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada. This was in response to the violent rebellions of 1837–38. The Durham Report (1839) laid out the guidelines to create the new colony with the Act of Union in 1840.

When did the first explorers come to Canada?

(See also Arctic Exploration.) Exploration of Canada by Europeans began with the Norse in the late 10th century on the country’s East Coast. Following Jacques Cartier’s arrival in 1534, over the course of the next three centuries British and French explorers gradually moved further west.

Where did the European settlers come from in Canada?

The French, British, & First Nations. Starting from the first fishing colonies, European settlers in Canada, mostly from France and Great Britain, gradually established networks of trading posts and small outposts. As the French and the British expanded their colonies, each European power made alliances with different First Nations groups.

How did the exploration and colonization of Canada affect First Nations?

Learn how European explorers and colonists affected First Nations communities in Canada. In addition to getting involved in wars between the French and the British, the First Nations suffered from the introduction of European diseases, weapons, and forced assimilation programs.

What was life like before Europeans came to Canada?

Before the first Europeans set foot on the continent, Canada was home to the First Nations, which were independent groups with a huge variety of different languages, traditions, and ways of life. But, that started to change when European explorers started making their way across the Atlantic.