History of Canada In Brief

History of Canada is intimately connected with the history of the United States of America and presents essential part of world history. Connection with American history is mostly determined by the geographic closeness of two countries. And reading a book or watching a film about Canadian history you'll find many references to American history and vice versa.  

Canada is independent state now. But it took hundreds of years to achieve it. And before you travel Canada you should know some facts from its history.

The first inhabitants of present Canada were Vikings poetized in prose and verse. For the first time Europeans discovered Canada ten centuries ago. Next time - five centuries after this. First settlements appeared only at the end of the 16th century and were mainly inhabited by French people. This period is known in history as the founding of New France. If you travel Canada you'll meet a lot of traditions that take their origin from this period of time.

Quebec became France's first permanent Canadian colony in 1608. At first life in colony was hard, the population grew slowly and nothing boded well. People had to submit  to feudal system of landholding and it lasted for decades.

The second half of the 17th century was commemorated by Britain come to power. That is one of the reasons why Canada has now two official languages: English and French. So, you should learn a couple of French phrases before you travel Canada.

Time passed, government changed, new rules and laws were adopted. The number of population increased thank to new settlers and high birth rate. The formation of independent Canada was seriously complicated by both World Wars. Thousands of Canadians died for better future of their homeland and peace all around the world.

February 15, 1965 is the date when Canada raised a red and white maple-leaf flag for the first time.

Today Canada isn't involved in international conflicts. But sometimes protests by native peoples take place. This happens in the United States as well. And it proves that these countries have much in common in the development of their history.