History 104 Study Notes

Lack of involvement:
- Initially, Canada had no role in international affairs.
- The Confederation provided Canada with full internal self-governance but under British oversight regarding foreign relations.
- Britain managed all foreign affairs, although there was some consideration for Canadian interests when addressed.

Overview of the dispute:
- Conflict over sealing and fishing rights in the Pribilof Islands involving Britain and Canada against the US and Russia.
Arbitration process:
- Britain allowed a Canadian representative to be part of the Board of Arbitration while also appointing a British member.
- The outcome resulted in a compromise that displeased all parties except Britain.

Background:
- This issue had persisted since the 18th century, exacerbated by the Klondike Gold Rush.
- Canada desired a direct route for access while the US aimed to control the transit rights.
International Tribunal (1903):
- Comprised of 2 Canadian politicians, 2 US politicians, and one British judge.
- Britain aimed for improved relations with the US, leading to the British judge siding with the US to secure control of Yukon Territory.
- This decision became a significant political matter, particularly in British Columbia.

Connection to Britain:
- Issues related to foreign arbitration and boundary disputes created some discontent among Canadians.
- Despite irritations, most Canadians were relatively pleased with their connection to Britain.
- The British connection was perceived primarily as a defensive measure to prevent potential annexation by the US.
Imperialist perspective:
- An emerging, explicitly Imperialist view among Canadian public opinion was significant.

Formation of the Imperial Federation League (1887):
- Established in Toronto and Montreal, later transformed by Colonel Denison in 1889 into an influential pressure group.
- Predominantly made up of English-speaking Canadians from upper and middle-class backgrounds.
- Other organizations like the IODE also played vital roles, fostering a sentiment that the Empire served as a counterbalance to American influence.
Nationalistic aspects of Canadian Imperialism:
- Canadian imperialism differed from British views, as most Canadian imperialists were focused solely on Canada’s relationship with the Empire.
- There was apprehension regarding full independence without direct British rule, emphasizing Canada’s identity as an essential self-governing segment of the Empire.
- The narrative of the Empire provided comfort and security to the Canadian middle class during the 1890s.
- The liberal imperialistic viewpoint suggested that the British Empire was superior to all others, including that of the United States.

Support for the Empire:
- Many middle-class French Canadians showed support for the Empire, with notable figures such as Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier (1895-1911).
- Support from French Canadians was typically more conditional than that of English Canadians and based on pragmatic rather than emotional grounds.

Dissenting Voices:
- Groups were apprehensive toward imperialism, including French Canadian nationalists, radicals, labor rights advocates, and socialists.
- These factions can be viewed as pivotal and potentially influential in Canadian politics, opposing imperial wars.

**Issues faced by Britain:
- By the 1890s, the UK encountered increasing challenges, including competition in Europe, setbacks in its colonies, and general insecurity about its global status.
Response of British Politicians:
- Politicians like Joseph Chamberlain looked to the Empire for reassurance and support, though the focus remained on British interests rather than those of their colonies.
- Fostering colonial support and unity was vital to assert British Imperial power to other nations such as France and Germany.

Lack of a formal army (1899):
- Canada lacked a formal army hierarchy and had only two small artillery units.
- There was an understanding that Canada faced few security threats; the assumption was that the US would not invade, and Britain would provide necessary military support.
Militia Composition:
- Canada maintained a large, non-permanent militia with units in cities and rural areas, primarily existing as social clubs rather than effective military forces.
- The RNWMP, now known as the RCMP, was the most efficient paramilitary force available.

Organization:
- Commanded by a British professional soldier (General Officer Commanding) with assistance from a minimal personal staff, the militia existed as part of the Canadian patronage system.
- The South African War catalyzed changes within the military structure.

Political Landscape (1895):
- Laurier's administration was characterized by domestic issues and hosted a range of factions from pro-imperial to nationalist perspectives.
Opposition to War:
- Israel Tarte faced scrutiny for his stance against the war, though he was also part of the Imperial Federation League.
- Laurier encountered pressure from various political actors advocating military involvement in the South African War.

Military Mobilization:
- Tensions escalated with British troop mobilization, with Boer armies invading the Cape Colony on October 11, 1899.
- Laurier made a decision to send troops on October 12, 1899, responding to growing pressures.

2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (Special Service):
- A compromise measure reflecting volunteerism and Canadian terms for troop deployment, with leadership provided by Colonel Otter.
Conditions of Deployment:
- The troops would have to remain a unified force funded by Canada, with recruitment overseen by the Canadian government.
- Equipment and transport costs were the responsibility of Canada, while Britain would take care of maintenance and training in South Africa.
Overall Reaction:
- The decision left few parties satisfied, showcasing the complexities of national politics regarding military engagement.

Support for British Forces:
- Canada provided horses, financial aid, and supplies (beef, flour, etc.) to support British military operations during the war.
Reputation of Canadian Goods:
- Canadian horses and agricultural products were well-regarded during this period.