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John A. Macdonald: The Impossible Idea

This short fiction film tells the story of John A. MacDonald’s rise to power. Canada’s first Prime Minister and one of the Fathers of the Confederation, MacDonald didn’t enjoy an easy political career. When he first shared his vision of a Dominion reaching from sea to sea – an audacious proposal regarded as uncertain even by his supporters – his opponents derided him. “The fox is out of tricks," they taunted. "Bankrupt of ideas, he offers us clouds." This film offers us a memorable flashback
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This short fiction film tells the story of John A. MacDonald’s rise to power. Canada’s first Prime Minister and one of the Fathers of the Confederation, MacDonald didn’t enjoy an easy political career. When he first shared his vision of a Dominion reaching from sea to sea – an audacious proposal regarded as uncertain even by his supporters – his opponents derided him. “The fox is out of tricks," they taunted. "Bankrupt of ideas, he offers us clouds." This film offers us a memorable flashback

History - Canada - 1867-1919 Politics and Government - Canada All subjects
History All channels
  • director
    Gordon Burwash
  • producer
    Julian Biggs
  • executive producer
    Guy Glover
  • script
    George Salverson
  • photography
    John Gunn
  • sound
    Leo O'Donnell
  • editing
    Donald Ginsberg
  • sound editing
    Kathleen Shannon
  • re-recording
    Ron Alexander
  • music
    Joan Edward
  • cast
    Robert Christie
    James Edmond
    Stephen Ker Appleby
    Basil Fitzgibbon
    Angus MacCormick
    Cec Linder
    Martin Andrews
    John Paris

Education

Ages 11 to 18
School subjects
History - Canada 1867-1914 History - Canada under British Rule (1764-1867) History and Citizenship Education - Canadian Federation (1850-1929) History and Citizenship Education - Imperialism and Colonization (1800s-1900s)

While watching the film, create a timeline of key events that take place in Macdonald’s life. Summarize the context in which the film begins. How does this impact Macdonald’s political career? Macdonald is a controversial person in Canada’s history, leading to recent removal of statues of him. Take time to research the following topics related to Macdonald: Indigenous Peoples (views on and policies towards); the Chinese Head Tax; the execution of Louis Riel; and the CPR scandal. Collect different quotations from leading historians on their views of Macdonald. How has historiography changed in light of recent social movements?

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John A. Macdonald: The Impossible Idea
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