History of Quebec and CanadaName: ______
A LOOK AT GROSSE-ILE AND IRISH IMMIGRATION
From the turn of the 19th century until 1845, Ireland experienced an unprecedented demographic boom, its population doubling from four million to eight million during this period. Such phenomenal growth affected their food structure: land became scarcer and they had to maximize their potato production in order to survive. In addition, from the late 1830s, Ireland was hit with a series of poor crops that further fueled its food supply problems.
Beginning in 1845, Europe - and Ireland in particular - was ravaged by a potato blight, a mold that infected potatoes and tomatoes alike. During the next several years, the blight devastated Ireland's potato crop, which in turn created a terrible famine. This was tragic as the diet of a sizeable proportion of the population was based on this staple.
These events triggered a huge wave of emigration to North America and spawned an Irish diaspora. Close to 100,000 immigrants, 95% of whom hailed from Ireland, arrived at the port of Québec seeking to escape the Great Famine and to secure a better future for themselves.
In an attempt to meet the urgent need to offer lodging to the swelling numbers of immigrants, authorities sped up the construction of shelters and the installation of hundreds of tents on Grosse Île. Grosse Ile was set up as a quarantine to properly screen new immigrants for infectious diseases before they went to mainland Quebec. The western sector of the quarantine, opened in 1832 and was quickly overrun by people. To compensate for the lack of space, the station authorities thus decided to use the eastern sector to accommodate the steady stream of new arrivals.The length of their stay varied greatly during the 100 or so years that the station was in operation. Initially, it depended on the recognized incubation period for the various contagious diseases. For example, quarantine was 15 days for smallpox and seven days for cholera. Each new case that broke out extended the stay.
In spite of the efforts and exceptional dedication of the staff, the station was witness to the greatest tragedy in its short history. No fewer than 5,424 people were buried on Grosse Île in 1847. Nearly 70% were Irish and many suffered from what they called 'ship fever'.It was actually typhus but it's hardly surprising they blamed their illness on the boats they arrived in, for conditions onboard were horrendous and perfect for disease to spread. About one-third of Irish passengers died during their voyage or immediately after landing. No wonder the immigration ships from Ireland became known as'coffin ships'. That year, many island employees also fell victim to disease in their efforts to aid the new arrivals.
Grosse Isle was hopelessly underfunded to cope with such an influx, sick or not.
Accommodation was woefully inadequate and medical provision was insufficient. Inevitably, the disease spread among the supposedly healthy. Doctors, nurses, priests and even the Mayor of Montreal died alongside the immigrants.
As news of the 1846-47 tragedy spread, those Irish emigrants who could afford it, preferred to immigrate to the United States rather than Canada.
What’s more, of the 100,000 immigrants who left Europe for Canada that year, 20% died before reaching their final destination - i.e., at sea, on Grosse Île, or at points further west. Many children lost their parents in that fateful year; most of that number were adopted by Québécois families in the area. These orphans nevertheless kept their Irish family name.
All in all, during the quarantine station's 105-year-long existence, 7,553 immigrants were buried in one of the three cemeteries located on Grosse Île.
History of Quebec and CanadaName: ______
ASSIGNMENT:
A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF CANADIAN IMMIGRATION.
PART A: UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORICAL CONTEXT ( / 15 points)
After reading the article “Grosse-Ile and Irish Immigration”, answer the questions below on a sheet of paper. You will need to do additional research to answer some of these questions. Answer in complete sentences.
- What is a diaspora? (/1)
- What is a quarantine? (/1)
- Why did thousands of Irish emigrants leave Ireland in the early 1800’s? Give two reasons. (/2)
- Why was Grosse Ile set up? (/1)
- What were living conditions like on Grosse Ile? (/2)
- What were some of the leading causes of death on Grosse Ile? (/2)
- Explain why immigrants travelled on “coffin ships”? (Why were these ships so awful? Explain the conditions). (/2)
- What happened to these Irish immigrants following their time on Grosse Ile? Where did they go? What kind of jobs did they find? Do some research to explain how their lives took shape as citizens in Canada. (Note: many arrived here before Canada is officially called Canada.) Write between 4-8 sentences. (/4)
PART B: A LOOK AT IMMIGRATION TO CANADA ( / 25 points)
Choose a group of immigrants that have arrived in Canada in the past 200 years (don’t choose Irish immigrants).
For example:
The Chinese (1880’s-1920’s)
Italians (started in 1870’s, then continued in various waves in 1900’s)
Cambodians (1980’s)
Ukrainians (1890’s-1950)
Syrians (2015-)
Feel free to choose any other group, perhaps immigrants that connect to your own family history.
Answer the following questions regarding your chosen immigrant group’s arrival in Canada.
1.When did they arrive? (It’s possible to have more than one wave of immigration) (/1)
2.Write a short paragraph that describes their immigrant experience. Your paragraph should be between 10 and 15 sentences. (/10)
Consider the following:
-What were some of the factors that “pushed” them out of their countries of origin?
-What were some factors the “pulled” them immigrate to Canada? (Why Canada?)
-What struggles did they face upon immigrating to Canada? Did they face any legal or financial barriers?
-Were there any incentives that made the immigration process more desirable/appealing?
-What regions or communities did they settle in?
-Any other relevant information?
3. Include two visuals that represent the immigrant group that you selected. (Ex. photo, diagram, map, political cartoon, table/chart)
Write a caption under each visual to explain what is being shown. (/4)
4.Diversity is not new to Canada. In fact, it has always been a core aspect of the Canadian identity. From our origins and our Native peoples and the arrival of the French and the English, to those who have come from hundreds of other countriessince then. Canada has always been an attractive place for immigrants from around the world who are looking for a safe, strong nation filled with possibilities.
In a short paragraph, answer the following question:
How accurate is the phrase, ‘Canada: Land of Opportunity’?
(What are the perks of living in Canada? Why is our country a safe haven for refugees?)
You should write approximately 150-200 words. (/10)
Due date: ______