Canadian History Quiz

Who are the native groups that lived south of the Arctic region in Canada?

• Inuit

• First Nations

• Métis

• Acadians

Answer explanation

The native groups that lived south of the Arctic region in Canada are the First Nations. They are distinct from the Inuit, who inhabit the Arctic regions, and the Métis, who are of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. The Acadians are not an Indigenous group but rather descendants of French colonists in eastern Canada.

When did Europeans first arrive off the coast of eastern Canada?

• 1500s

• 1600s

• 1700s

• 1800s

Answer explanation

Europeans first arrived off the coast of eastern Canada in the 1500s. This period marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the region, with notable figures such as John Cabot and Jacques Cartier playing significant roles in the discovery and mapping of the area. The 1500s option is the correct choice, as it represents the earliest time when Europeans reached eastern Canada.

What were Europeans seeking when they arrived off the coast of eastern Canada?

• Gold

• Fish and animal furs

• Spices

• New trade routes

Answer explanation

When Europeans arrived off the coast of eastern Canada, they were primarily seeking fish and animal furs. This region was rich in marine life and wildlife, making it an attractive destination for those seeking these resources. The other options, such as gold, spices, and new trade routes, while important in other contexts, were not the primary focus in this region.

Who claimed eastern Canada for France in 1534?

• Samuel de Champlain

• Jacques Cartier

• John Cabot

• Henry Hudson

Answer explanation

Jacques Cartier is the correct answer. He was a French explorer who claimed what is now Canada for France during his second voyage to the New World in 1534. He was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, which he named 'The Country of Canadas', after the Iroquois names for the two big settlements he saw at Stadacona (Quebec City) and at Hochelaga (Montreal Island).

When was the colony of Quebec City established?

• 1508

• 1608

• 1708

• 1808

Answer explanation

Quebec City was established in the year 1608. This makes the correct answer to the question 'When was the colony of Quebec City established?' the option '1608'. The other options, '1508', '1708', and '1808', are therefore incorrect as they do not match the actual establishment year of Quebec City.

Which company was granted the territory around Hudson Bay in 1670?

• Hudson Bay Company

• French Fur Company

• British East India Company

• Dutch West India Company

Answer explanation

The Hudson Bay Company was granted the territory around Hudson Bay in 1670. This British company was given a trading monopoly by the English crown over the watershed of all rivers and streams flowing into Hudson Bay, which is a vast area known as Rupert's Land. None of the other companies listed had this privilege.

What language was made the only official language in Quebec in the 1970s?

• English

• French

• Spanish

• German

Answer explanation

The question asks about the official language of Quebec in the 1970s. The correct answer is French. This is because in 1974, French was declared the only official language of Quebec, a province in Canada. This was done through the adoption of the Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101.

Why did French Canadians push for changes in the second half of the 1900s?

• To protect their language and culture

• To gain independence from Canada

• To establish a new trade route

• To expand their territory

Answer explanation

In the second half of the 1900s, French Canadians pushed for changes primarily to safeguard their unique language and culture. Amidst the growing influence of English, they felt the need to protect their linguistic and cultural heritage. This is why the option 'To protect their language and culture' is the correct answer to the question.

What was the main economic activity in New France for 200 years?

• Fishing

• Farming

• Fur trade

• Mining

Answer explanation

The main economic activity in New France for 200 years was the fur trade. This industry was crucial to the colony's development and prosperity, as it involved trading valuable animal pelts, especially beaver fur, with European markets. Fishing, farming, and mining were also present, but the fur trade was the dominant economic activity during that period.

Which region did British fur traders find to be the best for furs?

• Saint Lawrence River

• Hudson Bay

• Great Lakes

• Rocky Mountains

Answer explanation

British fur traders found the Hudson Bay region to be the best for furs. This area provided a rich source of high-quality furs, particularly beaver pelts, which were in high demand in Europe. The Hudson's Bay Company, established in 1670, dominated the fur trade in this region, taking advantage of the abundant resources and establishing a strong presence in the area.