Introduction
Every year, Canadians enjoy a long weekend in May to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria, the monarch who ruled over Canada at the time of Confederation. But how much do we truly understand about this historical character and her impact on our country? In this blog article, we will look at Queen Victoria’s life and legacy, the woman who inspired Canada’s celebrated long weekend.
Queen Victoria’s Role in Canadian History
Queen Victoria was born in London, England, on May 24, 1819. Following the death of her uncle, William IV, in 1837, she became queen at the age of 18. She reigned for the longest period of any British monarch until Elizabeth II overtook her in 2015. During her reign, she oversaw the British Empire’s expansion as well as the growth of industrialization, democracy, and social reform.
The Birth of Canada
Queen Victoria’s support of Confederation in 1867 was one of her most significant contributions to Canadian history. Confederation was the process by which the British colonies of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were combined to become the country of Canada. Without her royal consent, the fathers of the Confederation could not establish the new country. Queen Victoria was a staunch imperialist who cared deeply about her colonial subjects. She advocated for Confederation and served as a unifying force for Canada’s provinces.
The choice of Ottawa
Another significant decision made by Queen Victoria for Canada was the selection of Ottawa as the nation’s capital in 1857. Ottawa was a little logging village on the Ontario-Quebec border at the time. It was a long way from the more populous and influential cities of Quebec City, Montreal, Kingston, and Toronto. However, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital for a variety of reasons. For starters, it was a compromise between anglophone and francophone leaders. Second, it was far from the US border and surrounded by dense woodland, making it less vulnerable to an assault. Third, it was close to her loving uncle Leopold, the King of Belgium, who had a summer home near Ottawa.
Queen Victoria’s personal life and Legacy
Queen Victoria was a passionate wife and mother as well as a great queen. In 1840, she married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and they had nine children. She adored Albert and relied on him for guidance and support. She shared his interests in art, science, and education.
The widowhood
Unfortunately, Queen Victoria’s joy was dashed in 1861 when Prince Albert died of typhoid at the age of 42. Victoria would spend the next 40 years of her life, consumed with sadness, wearing only black attire and rarely appearing in public. She became known as the “widow of Windsor” and became estranged from her family and subjects. She also attributed Albert’s death to her eldest son Edward, who had been involved in a controversy soon before Albert became ill.
The Victorian era
Despite her isolation, Queen Victoria had an impact on culture, fashion, art, and politics during the Victorian era. She popularized mourning clothing, white bridal gowns, and Christmas trees. Also, She was a supporter of numerous artists, writers, and musicians, including Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and Arthur Sullivan. She also advocated for social reforms like public health, education, and women’s rights. Also, She presided over several historic events, including the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Crimean War (1853-1856), and the Diamond Jubilee of 1897.
Conclusion
Queen Victoria was a wonderful queen who affected the history and character of Canada. She gave birth to the country of Canada and designated its capital city. She also left an indelible mark on culture, fashion, art, and politics. In Canada, she is still recognized and honored, with statues, buildings, streets, and villages named after her. Every May, a national holiday is observed to commemorate her birthday.
How do you celebrate Victoria’s Day? Do you know any additional Queen Victoria facts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
We hope you have a wonderful and safe Victoria’s Day!