Canada's History
From the first peoples of the land through the building of a nation — the history topics you must know to pass the Canadian citizenship test.
What You'll Learn
- Indigenous peoples and their role in shaping Canada
- The founding of New France and British North America
- Confederation in 1867 and Canada's westward expansion
- Canada's role in World War I and World War II
Key Facts Covered
The First Peoples
Aboriginal peoples — First Nations, Métis, and Inuit — have lived in Canada for thousands of years. They are the original stewards of the land and their cultures, languages, and traditions continue to shape Canada. The Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms their existing rights.
New France and British Rule
The French explorer Jacques Cartier claimed Canada for France in 1534. After decades of conflict, the Treaty of Paris (1763) gave Britain control of New France. The Quebec Act of 1774 protected French Catholic rights — a foundation of Canada's multicultural identity.
Confederation: July 1, 1867
On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act united the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a new dominion. Sir John A. Macdonald became the first Prime Minister. This date is now celebrated as Canada Day.
Canada in the World Wars
Canada entered WWI on August 4, 1914, fighting under British command before developing its own military identity. The Battle of Vimy Ridge (1917) is remembered as a defining moment. In WWII, Canada declared war independently on September 10, 1939, contributing forces to D-Day and other critical campaigns.
Practice Canada's History Questions
Work through all 84 history questions with explanations that place each fact in its proper context.