Introduction to Early European Settlement in Canada

Canada’s early European settlement is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. Robertson Davies, a prominent Canadian author, once suggested that many early settlers were forcibly moved to Canada, leading to differences in cultural personalities compared to the United States. Let's delve into the actual circumstances that led to the founding of Canada. This article will explore the historical practices of penal transportation, the motivations of voluntary settlers, and the impact of the American Revolution on Canadian settlement.

Forced Exile and Penal Transportation

Many female convicts were forcibly exiled to Canada in the early days of British colonization. Both the French and English justice systems were known to exile women, often prostitutes, as the New World required "brides." These women were often either paid to relocate or sent by force. Similarly, men were also subject to penal transport for various crimes, including theft and violent offenses.

Voluntary Settlement and Economic Opportunities

In reality, the vast majority of early Canadians came voluntarily seeking a better life in a land awash with economic opportunities. Life in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries was marked by widespread poverty, starvation, and social upheaval. Canada offered vast tracts of land suitable for agriculture and abundant natural resources that could be sold to European markets. Many settlers were refugees driven by economic and social conditions in Europe.

The Arrival of the French

The first settlers, predominantly French, were drawn to Canada by the promise of a better life. French settlers received free land and the freedom to hunt and trap to their heart's content. The harsh wilderness offered a refuge for those who could disappear into the wilderness, known as the couriers du bois (woodmen).

Post-English Conquest and Scottish Migration

Following the English conquest, the settlers were joined by English and Scottish immigrants. The Scottish, in particular, were fleeing the Highland Clearances, a period of forced evictions initiated by wealthy landlords. Life in the Highlands had always been marginal, and famine was a constant risk. The Canadian wilderness provided a better living, with plentiful game to shoot and sell.

The United Empire Loyalists

During the American Revolution, a significant number of Loyalists fled to Canada, seeking refuge from American oppression. These individuals, known as the United Empire Loyalists, settled vast tracts of land and significantly boosted the population and number of provinces. Their migration was voluntary, and they brought with them a distinct set of values and experiences that set them apart from American settlers.

The Opening of the Canadian West

With the opening of the Canadian West, a new wave of settlers arrived, seeking to escape oppression, starvation, poverty, and war in various European countries. These settlers were driven to homestead all the free land available in the West and form the majority of the population in Western Canada. The West was not settled from Eastern Canada but was a new frontier for settlement.

Slavery and its Evolution in Canada

Slavery in Canada is a complex topic. The practice was effectively abolished around 1800, following the American Revolution and the abolition of slavery in England in 1772. However, it is important to note that the majority of slaves in Canada were Indigenous people, held captive by other Indigenous groups, rather than African slaves from the Americas.

Conclusion

The early settlement of Canada was driven by a combination of voluntary migration, economic opportunities, and unfortunate circumstances such as forced exiles and penal transportation. The Canadian culture and identity are a result of these diverse contributions, forming the complex heritage that defines the nation today.