Canada 1890–1914: A Changing Society · Term 1

The Laurier Era: 'Canada's Century'

Students assess the leadership of Wilfrid Laurier and his vision for 'Canada's Century.'

About This Topic

The Laurier Era (1896–1911) is often characterized by the phrase 'the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada.' Students examine the leadership of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's first French-Canadian Prime Minister, and his 'Sunny Ways' approach to diplomacy. This period was one of rapid growth, industrialization, and intense debate over Canada's identity and its place within the British Empire.

Students will analyze how Laurier navigated the tensions between English-Canadian imperialists and French-Canadian nationalists on issues like the Boer War and the creation of a Canadian Navy. This topic is essential for understanding the transition of Canada from a colonial outpost to a more autonomous nation. This topic comes alive when students can use structured debates and role plays to simulate the difficult political compromises Laurier had to make to keep a young and divided country together.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: The Naval Service Act

Divide the class into three groups: Imperialists (who want to give money to the British Navy), Nationalists (who want no navy), and Laurier's supporters (who want a Canadian Navy). Students debate which path best serves Canada's future.

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

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Role Play: The Manitoba Schools Question

Students act as Laurier and Premier Greenway of Manitoba. They must negotiate a 'Sunny Ways' compromise that addresses the rights of French Catholic students without alienating the Protestant majority in the West.

⏱ 45 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Canada's Century

Display posters and advertisements from the Laurier era promoting Canada's growth. Students analyze the imagery to identify who the 'vision' of Canada was intended for and who was excluded from this prosperity.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Laurier's 'Sunny Ways' meant that everyone was happy and agreed.

What to Teach Instead

Laurier's compromises often left both sides feeling dissatisfied. Using a 'think-pair-share' on the Boer War compromise helps students see that 'Sunny Ways' was a pragmatic political strategy to avoid national fracture, not a magic solution.

Common Misconception

Canada was completely independent from Britain during this time.

What to Teach Instead

Canada was still a dominion and Britain still controlled its foreign policy. The debates over the navy and the Boer War show the slow and difficult process of gaining autonomy. A timeline activity can help students see the gradual shift in power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Laurier mean by 'Sunny Ways'?

The term refers to Laurier's preference for negotiation and compromise over force or rigid demands. He believed that by being flexible and finding a middle ground, he could keep the diverse and often conflicting groups in Canada (especially French and English) united.

What was the Manitoba Schools Question?

This was a crisis over the Manitoba government's decision to stop funding Catholic schools and remove French as an official language. Laurier negotiated a compromise that allowed for some religious instruction and French-language teaching where numbers warranted, rather than forcing the province to restore the old system.

Why was the Boer War a problem for Laurier?

English Canadians wanted to send troops to help Britain in South Africa, while many French Canadians, led by Henri Bourassa, felt Canada should not get involved in Britain's imperial wars. Laurier compromised by sending a volunteer force, which satisfied neither side completely but prevented a government collapse.

How can active learning help students understand the Laurier Era?

Active learning, such as structured debates on the Naval Service Act, helps students understand the 'balancing act' of Canadian politics. By taking on the roles of imperialists and nationalists, students feel the pressure Laurier was under to maintain national unity, making his political maneuvers much more understandable than just reading about them.

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