M4055 | Visit to Montreal of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales on steamer Quebec
Visit to Montreal of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales on steamer Quebec
1860, 19th century
Ink on card
6.7 x 9.8 cm
Gift of Mr. David Ross McCord
M4055
© McCord Museum
Description
Keywords: event (534) , History (944) , Ticket (7)
Keys to History
While the crowds watched fireworks, Montrealers with the right credentials were invited to lavish state dinners, decorations and honours for Canada's leading politicians. George-Étienne Cartier travelled by steamer to Quebec City for the Prince's visit there. The construction of a new state on the British parliamentary model, and with French Canadian participation, would follow in just a few years.
Source : Confederation: The Creation of Canada [Web tour], by Brian J. Young, McGill University (see Links)
-
What
Conquered a century earlier, French Canadians were obviously more ambivalent in their attitudes to the Crown. The most important French Canadian politician, George-Étienne Cartier was, however, pro-British and saw many advantages to the monarchical system.
-
Where
Cartier was invited to travel with the Prince as he travelled by steamship from Quebec to Montreal. The day's trip included a stopover in Trois-Rivières.
-
When
During the rebellions of 1837, Cartier had a charge of treason hanging over him and was forced to flee the country. In 1860, he sat at table with the Prince of Wales as their steamer Quebec headed for Montreal.
-
Who
This capacity to be both a French Canadian nationalist, a Canadian nationalist and an advocate of the British monarchy was not limited to Cartier. Indeed, this ambivalence has often marked Quebec history.
Visitors' comments
Add a comment