Grade 10 Canadian History Trivia: Test Your Knowledge

The Confederation of Canada was formed in 1867, marking the unification of the initial four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. This event established the Dominion of Canada, creating a federal system of government while still remaining part of the British Empire. Confederation was a critical step in the development of Canada’s national identity, allowing for a more centralized and unified governance structure, which facilitated the expansion and integration of additional provinces and territories into what is now known as Canada.

John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. As a founding father of Confederation, he played a pivotal role in the initial formation and development of the Canadian federal state. Macdonald's leadership was instrumental in the expansion of Canada through the incorporation of new provinces and the establishment of the national railway, which were critical to the country’s early growth and the political integration of its diverse regions.

The Great Depression in Canada began with the 1929 Stock Market Crash, mirroring the economic downturn seen in the United States and worldwide. This event triggered widespread economic hardship, marked by significant unemployment and the collapse of many businesses. The depression had profound effects on Canadian society and economy, leading to increased government intervention in the economy and the development of new social policies aimed at mitigating the impact of such economic downturns in the future.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 is considered a turning point in World War I for Canada due to its strategic and symbolic importance. This battle was the first occasion where all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force participated together as a cohesive unit, capturing the ridge from the German army. The victory at Vimy was a significant national achievement that fostered a sense of pride and a unique national identity, highlighting Canada’s growing independence and capabilities on the international stage.

Residential Schools were part of a coercive policy aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian culture. Established in the 19th century and lasting until the late 20th century, these schools isolated Indigenous children from their families, languages, and cultures. The policy behind these schools was designed to eradicate Indigenous cultural practices and identities, which has had long-lasting traumatic effects on Indigenous communities across Canada, leading to significant socio-economic challenges and a strained relationship between the government and Indigenous peoples.

The National Policy, introduced in 1879 by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, was primarily aimed at protecting Canadian industries through tariffs on imported manufactured items. This policy was crucial in fostering Canada's early industrial base by making foreign goods more expensive compared to those produced domestically. It encouraged the growth of Canadian manufacturing sectors and was a cornerstone in Macdonald's economic strategy to build a strong, self-reliant Canada that was less dependent on imports, particularly from the rapidly industrializing United States.

Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada in 1949. Before joining, Newfoundland was a British dominion and its decision to become part of Canada followed a series of referendums. The inclusion of Newfoundland marked the culmination of a long process of building a transcontinental Canadian state and reflected the ongoing dynamics of regional integration within Canada’s federal framework.

Women in Manitoba gained the right to vote in 1916 during the Women's Suffrage Movement. This milestone was significant as Manitoba was the first province in Canada to grant this right to women. The suffrage movement in Manitoba was part of a broader struggle for women's rights across Canada and the Western world, which sought to address and dismantle the legal and societal barriers that prevented women from participating fully and equally in society.

In 1956, Canada played a pivotal role in the Suez Crisis, which involved the invasion of Egypt by Israel, followed by the United Kingdom and France. The crisis was a significant international event as it threatened global peace and the stability of oil supplies. Canada’s Lester B. Pearson, who was then External Affairs Minister, proposed the first large-scale United Nations peacekeeping mission to ease the conflict, a contribution for which he later received the Nobel Peace Prize. This event marked Canada's emergence as a middle power actively involved in global diplomacy.

Lester B. Pearson established the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism in 1963 during his tenure as Prime Minister. This commission was a response to the growing unrest among French Canadians in Quebec, who felt their language and culture were being overshadowed by English dominance in Canada. The commission's work led to the implementation of policies promoting bilingualism and biculturalism, significantly shaping Canada's national identity and its approach to managing cultural and linguistic diversity.