Age of Democracy & Progress

Main Idea: The British colonies in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand become democratic states within the British Empire. In Ireland the struggle for home rule fails. Ireland splits into an independent country and a British province.

II. Self-Rule for British Colonies

A. Canada

1. Native Americans—French—British

2. Provinces created: solve religious and cultural differences; temporary solution

a Durham Report: urged reunification and British immigration

3. Dominion created: self-governing in domestic affairs

a John MacDonald (1^st PM) westward expansion; encouraged foreign investment & immigration

B. Australia & New Zealand

1. Australia: Aborigines—nomadic native people; raised little resistance

a Penal Colony: ex-convicts and free settlers develop sheep-herding economy

2. New Zealand: Maoris—Polynesians; resisted Dutch but welcomed British (Capt. Cook)

a annexation

3. Self-government: democratic dominions, voting rights for women

C. Irish

1. Irish Catholics vs. British rule & Protestants

a Laws against Catholics—no public office, pay taxes to support Church of Ireland, English made the official language

b Catholic Emancipation Act 1829, restored rights

2. Great Famine: 1845-1851, spurs emigration

3. Division: home rule denied

a Irish nationalists: won Parliament seats but formed underground Irish gov’t—sparked war

b 1921: Irish Free State (southern—independent becomes Republic of Ireland) and Northern Ireland (Ulster—GB)