History Review

Grade 7
Chapters Covered:
1. Tension Between Britain and France – Napoleonic Wars
2. Tension Between USA and Britain - Impressment
3. American Expansion
4. American Jingoism
5. Declaration of War
6. War Campaigns
7. Life in BNA After the War
8. Rebellions
9. Immigration
Tension Between Britain and France –
Napoleonic Wars:
Following the Seven Years’ War, tensions simmered between Britain and
France. Napoleon Bonaparte, resentful of France's loss to Britain, reignited
conflict in what became known as the Napoleonic Wars from 1804 to 1815.
These wars were largely driven by trade disputes and blockades between the
two powers, with Napoleon issuing the Berlin Decree to block British ships from
French harbors. Despite France's larger population, Britain's stronger military
and alliances posed a significant challenge to French supremacy in Europe.
Tension Between USA and Britain - Impressment:

During this period, the United States attempted to maintain neutrality in the
conflict between France and Britain. However, tensions escalated due to
British impressment tactics, where American-born citizens were forcibly seized
into the British Navy. British control of the Atlantic Ocean allowed them to
patrol American ships, leading to the forced recruitment of American sailors.
Despite diplomatic efforts by Thomas Jefferson to negotiate a treaty, tensions
persisted and ultimately led to military conflict.
 American Expansion:

While Britain had ceded the Ohio Valley to America, disputes arose over the
presence of First Nations groups in the region. These groups sought British
support to protect their lands from American encroachment, leading to further
tensions. Additionally, conflicts arose over the fur trade, with British traders
aiding First Nations resistance against American expansion.
American Jingoism:
In the United States, a sense of American jingoism emerged, with politicians
advocating for aggressive military action. There were beliefs that invading
British North America would be met with support from dissatisfied British
subjects. This aggressive stance fueled calls for invasion and heightened
tensions between the two nations.
Declaration of War:
In June 1812, the United States declared war on Britain, leading to military
conflicts along the border. Despite initial successes by British forces,
including the capture of Detroit and the burning of Washington, D.C., the war
ultimately ended inconclusively with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. This treaty
preserved territorial boundaries but did not address the underlying tensions
between the two nations.
Life in BNA After the War:
After the War of 1812, dissatisfaction with
undemocratic governments and economic
challenges persisted in Upper and Lower Canada.
Political elites maintained power, and farmers
faced difficulties due to declining wheat prices and
limited access to farmland. These issues
contributed to social unrest and calls for reform
within British North America.
 Rebellions:
In response to these challenges, rebellions erupted
in Upper and Lower Canada, led by figures like
William Lyon Mackenzie and Louis-Joseph
Papineau. These rebellions challenged British
authority but were ultimately suppressed. The
aftermath saw the implementation of the Union Act
of 1840, uniting Upper and Lower Canada into a
single province while retaining British control.
Immigration:
Immigration to Canada surged during the 1830s
and 1840s due to factors such as available
land, political freedoms, and family ties. Push
factors, including overcrowding and religious
discrimination in Europe, drove people to seek
opportunities in Canada. This influx of
immigrants contributed to Canada's ethnic
diversity and played a significant role in shaping
its development during this period.