Chapter 4: Who Is Queen Victoria?
Before You Read
Look at the picture.
- What do you know about the British royal family?
- What connection does England have with other countries in the world?
Read
Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819. She became the queen of the United Kingdom when she was 18 years old. She was queen from 1837 until her death in 1901. She was queen for 63 years. She was queen longer than any of the British kings and queens before. This time is known as the Victorian years. It was a time of great change in the UK. Britain improved in the areas of industry, politics, science, and the military. Victoria also became Empress of India in 1876. Great Britain was growing!
In the mid-1800s, Canada wanted to become an independent country. Queen Victoria supported this. In 1867, Canada became a country. Canada honours the Queen for her support. Canada stays connected to Britain.
In Canada, Victoria Day is a holiday. It celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday. It was first declared a holiday in 1845. It became a national holiday in 1901. Canadians celebrate it on the Monday before May 25th. This is the anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birthday. On this day, people in Canada enjoy events like parades, picnics, and fireworks. Some people have a day off from work or school. It is also a time when Canadians turn their attention to Queen Victoria and the significant role she had in Canada’s past.
Victoria Day weekend is also unofficially the first long weekend of summer. It is a time when people unpack all the summer and gardening equipment that they stored over the winter. Other people go to campsites or open cottages. In general, it is a happy time to celebrate the beginning of summer.
Some people argue against celebrating Victoria Day. Some people interpret this holiday as a way to celebrate Canada’s sad history. They think it celebrates Britain’s influence over Canada. They can only see the negative things, such as the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and other groups. They do not want to repeat that history. People want to focus more on celebrating the different cultures and the story of Canada today.
In conclusion, Queen Victoria was a significant figure in British and Canadian history. Her birthday is still celebrated in Canada today. There are different opinions about this celebration. Some people agree with Victoria Day. Some people disagree with Victoria Day. It is important to understand all sides of the story. It is important to think about Victoria Day and what it represents.
Vocabulary
Area
Attention
Conclusion
Culture
Focus
Interpret
Negative
Repeat
Significant
Store
After You Read
- Do you think Canadians should continue celebrating Victoria Day? Why or why not?
- Does your home country celebrate independence? If yes, when do you celebrate and how do you celebrate?
- What is a meaningful holiday for you? Explain your answer.
Media Attributions
- Queen Victoria @ Queen’s Park by Thank You (25 Millions ) views is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- Queen Victoria / La reine Victoria by BiblioArchives / LibraryArchives is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- Timeline by Conestoga Open Learning is licensed under CC BY NC SA 4.0.
- Family in the Norris Camground by Yellowstone National Park is licensed under PDM 1.0.
- Large crowds watching along the way by Robert Ashworth is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- Shower of light by Paulius Malinovskis is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
- Picnic by Jeremy Keith is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
References
Arizona State University. (2024). EdPlus Voiceover Generator [Voiceover audio generator].
Microsoft. (2023). Copilot [Large language model].
Rayburn, A., & Harris, C. (2015). Queen Victoria. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
- Microsoft Copilot was used as a brainstorming tool for this chapter.
- The Arizona State University EdPlus Voiceover Generator was used to create the audio recording of the reading. Adaptations include modification of speed and/or timing, and comping of output takes.
Area - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Attention - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Significant - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Store - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Interpret - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Negative - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Repeat - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Focus - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Culture - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Conclusion - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
