Explain the similarities and differences in the way the US and Canada gained independence
If you can't find the answer in your book, check these sites.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/historyofus/web01/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Canada#Canada_under_British_control_1764.E2.80.931867
Some differences are Canada got their independence peacefully and the U.S. Fought for their independence!
The United States and Canada share a similar history as both countries were once colonies of European powers seeking independence. However, there are distinct differences in the way they achieved independence.
1. Similarities:
a. European Colonization: Both the United States and Canada were originally colonized by European powers. The British established colonies along the eastern coast of North America, which later became the original thirteen American colonies. Similarly, the French and British established colonies in various regions of present-day Canada.
b. Tensions with the European Powers: In both cases, tensions between the colonies and their respective European powers began to rise due to various factors such as taxation, political representation, and disputes over territorial expansion.
c. Revolutionary Movements: Both the American colonies and some Canadian provinces witnessed revolutionary movements seeking greater autonomy and independence. These movements were largely influenced by Enlightenment ideals of individual rights and self-governance.
2. Differences:
a. The American Revolution: The United States gained independence through the American Revolution, which was primarily a military and political struggle against British rule. The American colonists declared independence in 1776, fought a war for independence, and formally achieved independence with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
b. Canadian Confederation: Canada, on the other hand, followed a different path towards independence. Instead of a revolution, Canada achieved independence through a series of constitutional negotiations and the establishment of a confederation. In 1867, the British North America Act was passed, uniting several Canadian provinces into a federal dominion called Canada, granting them greater self-governance and autonomy while still recognizing the British Crown as a constitutional monarchy.
c. Peaceful Path to Independence: Unlike the United States, where independence was achieved through armed conflict, Canada's independence was largely achieved through peaceful negotiations and political reforms. The negotiations between the Canadian provinces and the British government focused on finding a compromise that would satisfy the aspirations for greater self-governance while maintaining a connection to the British Empire.
In summary, while both the United States and Canada sought independence from European powers, the United States achieved independence through a revolutionary war, while Canada achieved independence through constitutional negotiations and the establishment of a federal dominion. The different paths to independence reflect the distinct historical contexts and political dynamics of each country.