Information / Instructions
(This scenario was created by David Emory of the Lester B. Pearson School Board. Duplicate this map and instructions to complete the tasks!)
Introduction
In 1763, the distribution of territory in North America changed significantly.
After the Seven Years War (1756 - 1763) between England and France, England conquered New France and took over its territory. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 brought about several changes to New France and North America.
First of all, New France became the province of Quebec, and its territory was reduced significantly. One of the goals of the Royal Proclamation was to assimilate all French Canadians into English culture. What that means is that their goal was to get the French colonists of Quebec to adopt the English language, way of life, and religion.
The second change that came with the Royal Proclamation was that the north-western territory of North America became known as Rupert's Land, and it was reserved for the fur trade. It was to be run by the Hudson's Bay Company, which is the oldest company in North America and still exists today (The Bay).
Another change was that a large territory was reserved for the First Nations people, and a line was set to the west where colonists could not expand and establish new homes and villages.
Task #1:
Using the attached imaged and the "draw polygon" function, draw the following territories:
1. The province of Quebec
2. Rupert's Land
3. The territory reserved for the First Nations people
4. The thirteen colonies
Task #2:
Answer the following questions to the best of your ability:
1. Why do you think the English wanted to assimilate the French Canadians after the war?
2. When a large portion of the land to the south west of Quebec was reserved for the First Nations people, the thirteen colonies were upset. What do you think they were upset about?
Task #3:
Imagine that you were a French Canadian farmer in 1763. The war is over and the English won. They will let you keep your farm, but there are a bunch of new laws restricting your rights. What do you think of these new laws and what would you do in response to them?