Clio in Canada: The Interpretation of Canadian History

Abstract

In Canada much effort has now been given to historical research. Much less attention, to all appearances, has been devoted to problems of historical criticism, particularly to those which arise when the field of reference is narrowed down to that of national history. Yet certain well-defined interpretations of Canadian history have been developed, and have shaped historical thought in Canada and popular understanding of Canadian history. This paper intends no more than to raise the questions: upon what critical premises have these interpretations been raised, and what has been their effect in terms of historical thinking and popular knowledge?