Origins: A History of Canada

Season 1

A comprehensive survey of the history of Canada from Native American settlement to the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885.

Where to Watch Season 1

16 Episodes

  • A New World
    E1
    A New WorldTo discover more about the first Canadians, archaeologists study ancient objects made of animal bone found in North and South America, which give evidence of the earliest immigrants and the routes they took to get to Canada.
  • The First Nations
    E2
    The First NationsThe first nations were categorized by geographical region, and the only passport to travel was the ability to adapt to a new climate. This program examines a variety of the first cultures that arose in North America, highlighting the Indian and Inuit way of life.
  • Lost Civilizations
    E3
    Lost CivilizationsA look at the sophisticated Iroquoian societies that lived in and around today's southern Ontario. This leads to a study of the classical civilizations of America, the Aztecs, Mayas and Incas who were brilliant in art, architecture and agriculture. It was their ingenuity, passed on through trade networks, that helped the Iroquoians to develop.
  • The First Europeans
    E4
    The First EuropeansIrish legend, Inuit myth and wind-swept ruins are all examined to discover which Europeans first set foot on Canadian soil. The program looks at the European lust for the riches of the Orient, which began an exploration binge leading eventually to Canada and the first formal claim by Giovanni Cabota on behalf of the King of England in 1497.
  • The Treasure Hunt
    E5
    The Treasure HuntA look at the early voyages by Spanish and Portuguese sailors, who were seeking gold and slaves, inspired by Christopher Columbus' return from the Caribbean
  • The Key to Canada
    E6
    The Key to CanadaExamines Jacques Cartier's explorations. In 1534, Cartier made the first systematic exploration of the water west of Newfoundland, but his greatest achievement was discovering the St. Lawrence River, the key to the entire continent.
  • "God and Mammon
    E7
    "God and MammonThe role of the Roman Catholic Church and other religions in the colonization of North America. The Reformation of the sixteenth century pitted France against England and put the colonization of North America on hold for a few decades. The fascination with a possible passage to the Orient surged again near the end of the century, with a number of historic voyages by explorers such as Walter Raleigh, Humphrey Gilbert and Francis Drake.
  • Partners in Trade
    E8
    Partners in TradeA study of the development of the fur trade in North America by Europeans, the alliances that grew between certain Indian tribes and European nations, and the first use of European weapons by Indians, a turning point in history.
  • Displaced Persons
    E9
    Displaced PersonsIn the first half of the seventeenth century, for economic and religious reasons, thousands of English settlers came to North America, while the French kept their numbers down and increased their territory in pursuit of the beaver.
  • Empire Builders
    E10
    Empire BuildersA look at the Iroquois tribe. The most significant empire builders of the 1600s were the Iroquois, whose quest for furs led to a series of fierce attacks on the Hurons, and the intimidation of settlers in New France. These raids put the future of New France in question, until Louis XIV came to power and sent troops to control the Iroquois, and women to boost the French population.
  • Balance of Power
    E11
    Balance of PowerA look at the effects of the War of the League of Augsburg and the War of the Spanish Succession on New France in the St. Lawrence valley, Hudson Bay, Acadia, Newfoundland, and Louisiana
  • The Fall of New France
    E12
    The Fall of New FranceThis is a study of the great war for empire waged in Europe in the early part of the eighteenth century, and how it affected Anglo-French relations in North America. Also, causes of the second phase of the war; the expulsion of the Acadians in the 1750s; and the dramatic shift of power in North America after 1758.
  • The Parting of the Ways
    E13
    The Parting of the WaysThis program examines the arrival of the Loyalists in Canada following the American Revolution and the creation of Upper and Lower Canada
  • Struggle for Survival
    E14
    Struggle for SurvivalA look at the War of 1812; the conflict between the North West and Hudson's Bay companies over expansion in the west; the Red River colony and the Metis; and European competition for control of the northwest coast.
  • Growing Pains
    E15
    Growing PainsThis program looks at the effects of massive migration from the British Isles on British North America; the rebellions of 1837; the Durham Report, the union of the Canadas, and responsible government; and the creation of British Columbia.
  • Forming a Nation
    E16
    Forming a NationA look at the American Civil War (1861-65), Confederation (1867), Red River and Northwest Rebellions (1869, Metis leader Louis Riel and the railway that joined the country, "sea to shining sea."

 

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