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A German Traveller in Upper Canada in 1837: Observations on the Political, Social, and Economic Conditions of the Colony

Cole Powell

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In 1837, a German traveller named Gottfried von Bulow visited Upper Canada and recorded his observations on the political, social, and economic conditions of the colony. His account provides a valuable insight into the state of Upper Canada on the eve of the Rebellion of 1837.

A German Traveller in Upper Canada in 1837

by Henry Milner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	368 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	17 pages

Political Conditions

Bulow arrived in Upper Canada at a time of great political unrest. The colony was divided between those who supported the British government and those who wanted responsible government. The latter group, known as the Reformers, were led by William Lyon Mackenzie. Mackenzie and his supporters were increasingly frustrated by the lack of representation in the colonial government. They demanded a more democratic system of government that would give them a greater say in how they were governed.

Bulow was sympathetic to the Reformers' cause. He believed that they were right to demand a more representative government. However, he also worried that the Reformers were becoming too radical. He feared that they might resort to violence to achieve their goals.

Social Conditions

Bulow was also a keen observer of social conditions in Upper Canada. He noted that the colony was a land of great opportunity for those willing to work hard. However, he also saw that there was a great deal of poverty and inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor was growing wider, and many people were struggling to make ends meet.

Bulow was particularly concerned about the plight of the Native Americans. He believed that they had been treated unfairly by the British government. He called for the government to do more to protect their rights and to help them to adapt to the changing world.

Economic Conditions

Bulow also wrote about the economic conditions of Upper Canada. He noted that the colony was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth. However, he also warned that the economy was too dependent on the export of raw materials. He believed that the colony needed to develop its own manufacturing industries in order to achieve long-term economic stability.

Bulow's account of Upper Canada in 1837 is a valuable historical document. It provides a detailed and insightful look at the colony on the eve of the Rebellion of 1837. His observations on the political, social, and economic conditions of the colony help us to understand the causes of the rebellion and its impact on the development of Upper Canada.

A German Traveller in Upper Canada in 1837

by Henry Milner

5 out of 5