Lecture Notes: The Canadian Story of the American Civil War

Introduction

• Earliest photograph of Niagara Falls (circa 1840), taken from the Canadian side before commercialization.
• The photo symbolizes the peaceful yet complex historical relationship between Canada and the USA.
• The US Civil War, a major conflict that deeply involved Canadians.

Role of Chatham, Ontario

• Chatham was a stronghold of anti-slavery sentiment, playing a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Civil War.
• Many escaped enslaved people settled in Chatham via the Underground Railroad.
• Important figures:
  • Maryanne Shadd: First Black woman in North America to run her own newspaper, "The Provincial Freeman."
  • Osborne Perry Anderson: Worked for Shadd’s newspaper; actively involved in the anti-slavery movement.

John Brown's Raid

• John Brown: An American abolitionist who aimed to incite a slave uprising.
• Conducted secret meetings in Chatham planning the raid on Harper's Ferry.
• Osborne Perry Anderson participated, later returning to Chatham after the failed raid.
• The raid heightened tensions, leading to the eventual secession of Southern states.

Canadian Involvement in the Civil War

• Canadian citizens, some disguised like Sarah Emma Edmonds, participated in the war.
• Sarah Emma Edmonds: Disguised as a man, served as a nurse and soldier for the Union Army.
• Edward P Doherty and Calixq LaVallee: Other notable Canadians who fought for the Union.
• Canadians played roles in all major battles, despite Canadian colonies' official neutrality.

Political Tensions and Preparations

• Canadian colonies feared American invasion; historical tensions included:
  • American invasions during the Revolution and War of 1812.
  • Border disputes and the idea of "Manifest Destiny."
• William Seward: Lincoln's Secretary of State, saw potential in annexing Canadian territories.
• Canadian military preparations included fortifications and the arrival of British reinforcements.

Post-War and the Threat of Invasion

• After the war, the threat of invasion remained, leading to the Fenian Raids.
• Fenian Raids: Irish-American veterans of the Civil War attempted to invade Canada.
• These raids emphasized the need for Canadian unification to resist American expansion.

Conclusion

• The Canadian perspective of the American Civil War highlights cross-border influences and the complex relationship between the two nations.
• The story continues with further explorations of Canadian support for the Confederacy and the impact of the Fenian Raids.
• Call to support the "Canadiana" series for deeper historical insights.