Canada and the British Empire

Oxford History of the British Empire Companion Series

by Phillip Buckner (editor)

Canada and the British Empire traces the evolution of Canada, placing it within the wider context of British imperial history. Beginning with a broad chronological narrative, the volume surveys the country's history from the foundation of the first British bases in Canada in the early
seventeenth century, until the patriation of the Canadian constitution in 1982.

Historians approach the subject thematically, analysing subjects such as British migration to Canada, the role played by gender in the construction of imperial identities, and the economic relationship between Canada and Britain. Other important chapters examine the history of Newfoundland, the
history and legacy of imperial law, and the attitudes of French Canadians and Canada's aboriginal peoples to the imperial relationship.

The overall focus of the book is on emphasising the part that Canada played in the British Empire, and on understanding the Canadian response towards imperialism. With contributions from leading scholars in the field, it is essential reading for anyone interested either in the history of Canada or
in the history of the British Empire.

Genres: History

312 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canada and the British Empire complies a wide range of historiography related to the British Empire and Canada’s role within the empire. The book covers the early time period through the Dominion to the early 1980’s. The first half of the book sequentially takes the reader through the major developments of Canadian history focusing on the relationship between the home country and the colony and Canada’s path towards Dominion status. In addition this general overview there are chapters dedicated to the French and Acadian experience as well as the special status of Newfoundland. Topical areas are also covered for the whole time period including legal evolution, economy, gender and women, and the migration of people outside the empire and within the empire to Canada. There is also a section covering the aboriginal experience for the natives of Canada and their mistreatment by the Empire. This book sets an ambitious goal but achieves it with thorough analysis over a wide ranging time period by top scholars in the field. For those interested in Canadian history or the history of the British Empire this is a must read.