George-Étienne Cartier, Canadian lawyer and politician, 9th Premier of East Canada (d. 1873)
Sir George-Étienne Cartier, 1st Baronet, (pronounced [ʒɔʁʒ etjɛn kaʁtje]; September 6, 1814 – May 20, 1873) was a Canadian statesman and Father of Confederation.
The English spelling of the name—George, instead of Georges, the usual French spelling—is explained by his having been named in honour of King George III.
In the years leading up to Confederation, Cartier was a dominant figure in the politics of Canada East as leader of the Parti bleu. In 1838 he returned to Montreal after a year in exile for his role in the Lower Canada Rebellion. He officially entered politics in 1848. During his long career he promoted the establishment of the Civil Code as the formal law of Canada East, instead of sole use of common law as was present in Canada West. He also promoted the introduction of primary education in the province. Cartier had several reasons for supporting Confederation, notably his fear of American expansion. He died in London, England, on May 20, 1873.
1814Sep, 6
George-Étienne Cartier
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Events on 1814
- 17Feb
Battle of Mormant
War of the Sixth Coalition: The Battle of Mormant. - 28Mar
Battle of Valparaíso
War of 1812: In the Battle of Valparaíso, two American naval vessels are captured by two Royal Navy vessels of equal strength. - 17May
Monaco
Occupation of Monaco changes from French to Austrian. - 25Jul
Battle of Lundy's Lane
War of 1812: An American attack on Canada is repulsed. - 25Aug
Burning of Washington
War of 1812: On the second day of the Burning of Washington, British troops torch the Library of Congress, United States Treasury, Department of War, and other public buildings.