A Brief History of Canada

by Roger Riendeau

Overview

This single volume provides a concise, highly readable introduction to the growth and development of a unique land and its people. Veteran historian Roger Riendeau masterfully surveys the origins of Canada from its First peoples through European contact, the rise and fall of the French Empire, English Conquest, the road to nationhood, and the struggles of a complex society to the end of the second millennium.

Complete with text illustrations, maps, and an exhaustive index, A Brief History of Canada is a readily accessible reference for students and an engaging narrative for anyone who wants to learn more about this diverse and often enigmatic land.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550415551
Publisher:	Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Limited
Publication date:	02/15/2000
Pages:	310
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.01(h) x 0.81(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Roger Riendeau is a Fitzhenry and Whiteside author.

Table of Contents

PREFACE

PART ONE
EXPLORING THE NORTHERN AMERICAN FRONTIER
1 The Natural Domain
2 Accidental Rediscovery

PART TWO
THE FRENCH EMPIRE IN NORTHERN AMERICA, 1608-1760
3 The Colonization of New France
4 Royal Government and a Distinct Society
5 Clashing Empires and Frontiers

PART THREE
THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES, 1760-1867
6 The Challenge of Imperial Rule in British North America
7 The Emergence of Colonial Communities
8 The The Expanding Colonial Economy
9 From Oligarchic Rule to Responsible Government
10 The Road to Confederation

PART FOUR
THE FOUNDATIONS OF CANADIAN NATIONHOOD, 1867-1931
11 Nation-Building Aspirations and Strategies
12 The Clash of Nationalisms and the Resurgence of Regionalism
13 The Wheat Boom and National Expansion
14 The Confirmation of Nationhood
15 A Society Transformed

PART FIVE
AFFLUENCE AND ANXIETY IN THE MODERN ERA
16 The Perils of Depression and War
17 An Expanding Nation in the Age of Affluence
18 The Search for National Unity
19 Conflict and Confrontation in the Age of Anxiety
20 The Illusion of Consensus

Suggestions for Further Reading

Photo Credits

Index

Editorial Reviews

" . . . that's what is good about this book . . . it's the leaping-off point to be able to go and read more. But to be able to summarize everything so well I think is a huge benefit."
- Talking Books, CBC This Morning

" . . . a concise, highly readable introduction to the growth and development of a unique land and its people. In this single volume narrative, veteran historian Roger Riendeau masterfully surveys the origins of Canada from its First people through European contact, the rise and fall of the French empire, English conquest, the road to nationhood and the struggle of a complex society to the end of the second millennium. . . a readily accessible reference for students and an engaging narrative for anyone who wants to learn more about this diverse and often enigmatic land."
- George Bonavia, "From My Bookshelf"

"...a convenient package for students looking for a comprehensive introduction to Canadian history."
- Canadian Book Review Annual

From the Publisher

All too often Americans dismiss Canadians as a nondescript people living above the 49th parallel with a boring history. On the contrary, as Riendeau (Univ. of Toronto) demonstrates in his credible analysis of the Canadian past, Canada has a history as vibrant as any in the world. The book covers a wide range of topics--geographical features, the Norse discovery, the fall of New France, nationhood, and finally, the modern era. Riendeau has written a good text enriched by photos, maps, and a bibliography for further reading. This is a worthy addition for public and academic libraries.--Larry R. Little, Penticton P.L., British Columbia Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Explains forces that have driven Canada's development over the last 400 years, in an attempt to motivate Canadian and non-Canadian readers to become more interested in Canada and to appreciate its complexities and subtleties. Material is organized in five chronological sections, from the pre-settlement era to the present. Includes some 20 b&w photos and eight maps. The author is a senior lecturer at Innis College, University of Toronto, and a member of the university's Center for Urban and Community Studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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