ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of Canada

Okay kiddo, let's learn about the history of Canada!

A long, long time ago, before there were people in Canada, there were big animals like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers. But over time, people began to arrive in Canada. The First Nations, also known as Indigenous people, were the first people to live here. They had different cultures, languages, and ways of life. They lived off the land, fishing, hunting, and gathering food.

Then, in 1497, a man named John Cabot, who was from England, sailed across the Atlantic and landed on the east coast of Canada. He claimed the land for England, but the First Nations people were already there.

Over time, more and more ships from Europe came to Canada. The French, British, and Dutch all set up colonies in different places. They wanted to trade furs, fish, and other resources. This led to conflicts between the different groups of people.

In 1763, the British took control of all of Canada from the French. They made laws that were different from the First Nations people and the French. Soon, people from all over Europe came to Canada to live and work. They built towns and cities and created a new culture.

In the 1800s, the British wanted to make Canada one big country. So in 1867, they passed a law called the Constitution Act. This made Canada a country with its own government and laws. Canada started off with just four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Over time, more provinces and territories were added until we have the 13 provinces and territories we have today!

Canada has gone through many changes throughout history. We have fought in wars, developed new technologies, and built strong relationships with other countries. Today, we are known for being a friendly, multicultural country that values diversity and welcomes people from all over the world.