Underground Railroad

This was a network of safe havens for American slaves to have a chance to reach freedom in Canada. It was started possibly as early as 1786 with its most active period between 1830 and 1860. More than 50,000 slaves benefited from this loosely formed network.

Union Act, 1840

The Union Act was one of the chief responses to the 1837 Rebellions. By this date, Lower Canada still had a French speaking majority, but combined, the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada had an English-speaking majority. The new act recombined the colonies into one, with an overall English majority and French minority. The former Lower Canada was now called Canada East, while Upper Canada was named Canada West. Also see Lord Durham=s Report.

Union Nationale

This party was a result of the coalition of the Conservatives and Action Liberale Nationale for the purpose of fighting the 1935 provincial elections in Quebec. It did not win the election but amalgamated under the leadership of Maurice Duplessis. It won in 1936 on a platform of social, political and economic reform. In 1939, the Party was defeated, but returned to power in 1944.