| LMHS Learning Links Ontario Ministry of Education and Training, 1998 Social Studies Grades 1-6 |
Linking the History of London and Middlesex to
the Grade 3 Social Studies Expectations by Val Morrison Pioneer Life Overall Expectations: Background: The early settlers of London and Middlesex were primarily English, Scottish, Irish, and American. The pioneer era (for London and Middlesex) could be considered from about 1790 - 1840, however, that depends on the definition of "pioneer". For the intent of the Grade 3 curriculum, pioneers are the people who settle in an area that has not been settled before. The term "pioneer" is interchangeable with the term "settler". Thousands of settlers who risked the trip to Canada, in search of a better life, began with a bit of land and made of it, what they could. Some went on to fame and fortune; some passed away in anonymity; some left visible monuments to their work and dreams. There were common experiences for all ... the work of clearing land was exhausting, transportation was difficult, food was often scarce, illness was devastating and the weather was typical, wonderful Canadian weather with its blizzards, droughts and thunderstorms and those glorious days when the blue sky seemed to go from sea to sea. In the context of Ontario History, first the Americans, the Loyalists, began arriving in 1774. It is difficult to explain the whole scope and impact of the American Revolution to Grade 3! The Constitutional Act of 1791, officially created Upper and Lower Canada, with the Ottawa River as the dividing line. Now the stage was set for immigration from the British Isles, some 4800 kilometres away, because with a host of problems in England, Scotland and Ireland, the offer of free land in the British colony of Upper Canada sounded great. Between 1800 and 1850, over 800,000 came across the Atlantic Ocean to British North America. The first problem facing new settlers was where to settle. In London and Middlesex, the choice was to farm or move to one of the fledgling villages or towns. Regardless of location, in the early days shelter, food and clothing were things families provided for themselves. Life was hard work! Resources about Pioneers in Jack Sharp's Archives: More Info has a link (in progress) for the students called The Pioneers. The Biocards in this website feature some
of these people. Consider researching:
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