Keys to History

The burning of the Parliament Building in Montreal in 1849 can be seen as a turning point in the history of Canada, one that led to Confederation. Violence, the annexation movement, the hostility between French and English over the Rebellion Losses Bill, and the lingering bitterness over Durham's Report would challenge Canada's political leaders to find new solutions that might allow for regional, ethnic and religious differences while facilitating the development of an industrial and transcontinental nation.