Certain Canadian Citizens Throughout The Twentieth Century example essay topic

"Let me tell you my fellow countrymen, that the twentieth century shall be the century of Canada and of Canadian development", promised Wilfrid Laurier. Anxious Canadians waited for Wilfrid Laurier to fulfill his promise, waiting to seek new career opportunities and live prosperously. The nineteenth century was the century of American development; could the twentieth be the century of Canadian development? Many Canadians did see his promise fulfilled, those of European origin that is. To begin, men of Asian origin were well qualified for various occupations; however, White men were chosen over them regardless how many useful working skills they possessed. Furthermore, as the Canadian Government encouraged immigration to the "Last Best West", those of British, Scottish, and Eastern European origin were informed and accepted.

Ultimately, thousands of non-White Canadians were willing to enlist as Canada entered World War One; nevertheless, they were rejected for many years because of their appearance. In conclusion, as Canada entered the turn of the century, those of European origin were respected, and given opportunities to live prosperously. At the turn of the century Canada overflowed with well-paid jobs; however, every race did not receive identical wages. Lem Wong (a Chinese boy who had immigrated to Canada) was anxious to seek new opportunities. Nevertheless, he did not know that Chinese men were paid half the wages of white men. Moreover, he hesitated to discover that 1,500 Chinese men had died along the track building the Canadian Pacific Railway.

White men were preferred for every occupation, regardless how many skills non-white men had possessed. New Chinese immigrants often shivered as blood curling taunts trailed their paths. "Ching Chong Chinaman, chop, chop tail". Men of Asian origin often built proposed railways, barely surviving working in life-threatening conditions. Canada's concern for their safety was not taken into consideration. Non-White races in Canada often worked and lived together to avoid discrimination and dreadful taunts.

For instance, B agga Singh- a Sikh immigrant- dwindled in the sawmill jobs he discovered in British Columbia with his Sikh community. Evidently, men of Asian origin were paid dreadful wages and never chosen over White men for jobs, regardless how many useful working skills they possessed. Canada's prairies could assist Canada to prosper, if properly developed. Thus, Clifford Sifton, Canada's minister of the interior, launched an aggressive campaign to attract immigrants to Canada's "Last Best West" through the orders of Wilfrid Laurier. Clifford Sifton sent bales of pamphlets and posters to Britain, the United States of America, and various countries in Europe. "I am indifferent as to whether or not he is British born.

It matters not what his nationality is". This is a truly ironic speech by Clifford Sifton, for it is he who sent out pamphlets only to the United States of America, and various countries in Europe. Why did he not send pamphlets to India, China or Africa if it is he who said, "It matters not what his nationality is"? Furthermore, Clifford Sifton had again quoted in his speech", We want the peasants and agriculturist; we do not want the wasters and criminals". Hard working peasants dominate the rural areas of Asia; they could help Canada become more prosperous if they are offered the opportunity to immigrate into Canada's prairies.

Clearly, as the Canadian government encouraged immigration to the "Last Best West", only those of European origin were informed and accepted. At the turn of the century, Canada was not an autonomist country. Thus, when Britain declared war on Germany (August 4, 1914), Canada was automatically at war. Many Canadians assisted and fought for Canada throughout the war; however, not all races were eligible. Black Canadians had fought for Canada before during the War of 1812, and during the Upper Canada Rebellion. However, during World War One Black Canadians did not have the right to enlist.

William F. Guy (a Black Canadian) explained his reason for enlisting, "We knew what we had to do... We were fighting... for our parents and for our people to have a country to live in. I never expected to come back". In conclusion, this man knew he would die if enlisted; yet, the Canadian government did not allow or want him to do so. Black Canadians received the right to enlist in 1916. Japanese Canadians also did not have the right to enlist; however, they fought for the right to do so.

The Canadian Government concluded, "Japanese would not make good Canadian citizens". Thus, they did not have the right to enlist until 1915. Furthermore, all White Canadians had the right to enlist, unless their country of origin was at war with Canada. Not allowing certain Canadians to enlist, because "They would not make good Canadian citizens" (in reality because of their colour / appearance ) is the most ignorant reason the Canadian Government provided for not allowing non-White Canadians to enlist for World War One. At the dawning of the nineteenth century, certain Canadians struggled to avoid being taunted and discriminated; thus, they did not live as prosperously as the majority of White Canadians. White men were undoubtedly chosen over Asian men for well-paid jobs.

Hence, most Asian men suffered working terrible jobs, barely surviving in harsh living conditions. Dedicated farmers fulfilled Africa and Asia; however, no citizens from these continents were informed or accepted to Canada's "Last Best West". Finally, discriminated Black and Japanese Canadians had to fight for the right to defend Canada- the country they truly loved- during World War One, as White Canadians were encouraged. Certain Canadian citizens throughout the twentieth century left a mark in Canada's history.

They left A mark of pride, dignity and respect. Today it is wise to review and appreciate what they have done for Canada. For if they had not strived to attain respect and the rights they had desired many Canadian citizens would not live here today. They would be Asian or African citizens, hiding from Canada to avoid being taunted from the racist world.

However, certain individuals have made a stand in Canada, a stand to be respected, and treated like all others. To this day their efforts are appreciated, for if they had not fought for their beliefs, Canada would not be the most diverse country in the world.