A Crash Course on Colonialism, Capitalism, and the History of Canada

How and why did colonialism develop in the regions that became Canada? What role did capitalism play in the coming of colonialism? What effect did this have on indigenous peoples and in what was the role of anti-colonial struggle? 

What can the history of these and other resistance movements tell us about the possibility of a better future? How did class struggles that challenged capitalism develop? What was their relationship to indigenous opposition to colonialism?

In this introductory course, we will be engaging critically with these and many other aspects of colonialism and Canadian history. The history of colonialism and modern injustice against indigenous people is rightly a motivating issue for many. The structures and systems that led to such monumental injustices must be understood, especially by those who believe that a fundamentally better world is possible. So, too, it is crucial to understand the exploitation and oppression endured by working people as Canada became an advanced capitalist nation state. 

All are warmly invited to join us for this special 4-part series, led by renowned historian, author, and professor, Bryan Palmer. The course will be largely based on Palmer’s recent three volume series examining colonialism, capitalism, and the legacy of Canada’s past. For an overview of the series, please see this excellent interview with Palmer conducted by Adam King of the Maple. 

Each session will feature a lecture, followed by discussion and group exercises. No previous knowledge of the subject or formal education required! 

The Leo Panitch School was founded in 2023 and strives to provide radical, accessible, and practical socialist education. All programs are offered free or by donation in a non-academic setting. The school sees diverse participation from workers, activists, and community members from a variety of experiences and backgrounds.

When: Sunday afternoons at 2pm: June 21, June 28, July 5, and July 12. 

Where: Downtown Toronto - Venue to be shared with registrants

Cost: Free - $10/session donation suggested

How: Registration required

Please note that application may be reviewed to ensure participation from people each with a variety of activist experience. 

 If you are interested in offerings outside of Toronto or done virtually, please get in touch with us. Feel free to reach us with any questions at info@leopanitchschool.ca. 

Bryan D. Palmer is the author of Revolutionary Teamsters: The Minneapolis Truckers’ Strikes of 1934 (Chicago: Haymarket, 2014), co-author of Toronto’s Poor: A Rebellious History (Between The Lines, 2016), and a past editor of the journal, Labour/Le Travail. He is Professor Emeritus, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario.

Image credit: Frances Anne Hopkins

Accessibility 

The venues for this course are wheelchair accessible via an elevator. We ask that participants refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products. Please contact us with any accessibility concerns.

Course Outline:

Week 1 - Canada’s Origins 1500–1890
We will look at the period covered by the first volume of the series. How did colonialism develop in the regions that became Canada? In what ways did colonialism's beginnings in the 1500-1800 years, as it sought capital and dominance over territories in a context of war pitting specific empires against one another, determine its relations with indigenous peoples? What were the complexities of that relationship?

What role did an advancing capitalism play in determining how resources were exploited and a more diverse economic development took place over the course of the 19th century. What impact did this have on the consolidation of the nation state in Confederation in 1867? How did such changes shift the ways in which indigenous peoples were regarded by powerful people and institutions? What was the relationship of class mobilizations that began to challenge capital in the 19th century and anti-colonialist struggles. Why were the 1880s both a momentous and tragic decade?

Week 2 - The Making of Modern Canada 1890–1960
What were some of the common experiences of indigenous peoples in newly formed Canada? As the Canadian State solidified and the economy grew, what were the experiences of ordinary people? Inequalities intensified as class differences solidified and Canada's capitalist class became entrenched and extended its influence internationally.

How did colonialism and capitalism structure and restructure Canada leading up to and after the two world wars? What role did indigenous struggles, francophone activism, change in the Canadian capitalist class, and the rise of the labour movement and escalating class struggle play in Canada's development? How did Canada appear in the mid-century with respect to the hold capitalism and colonialism exercised over the country?

Week 3 - The Remaking of Modern Canada 1960–2025
What economic and political changes have led to the Canada we see today? What economic and social injustices were/are prevalent? We will especially examine the role indigenous struggle over land, the labour movement, and feminist activism has played. What can these and other resistance movements tell us about the possibility of a better future? What was centrally important about the 1960s?

Week 4 - Challenges of Today and Openings for a Better Tomorrow
What does all of this mean for us today? What are some of the large questions posed for activists on the left as they address the history of Canada? How does the country's development as a colonial and capitalist nation state make us think about interpretive frameworks such as "settler colonialism?" How does this history and its meanings inform socialists and those on the left about how they might struggle in ways that will effectively begin the protracted process of transforming society?