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Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
@CraigBaird
Mar 4, 2025 • 11 tweets • 4 min read • Read on X
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In 1890, the Tariff Act came into place in the United States. It placed tariffs on imports of up to 50%.
While touted as a way to build American industry, there was also the hope it would force an annexation of Canada. It backfired.
Let's learn more.

🧵1/10 The image is a black-and-white political cartoon depicting a man in a suit standing behind a counter labeled "Republican Platform." He is holding a bottle labeled "Untaxed Whiskey, 20¢ Gal." in one hand and a piece of cloth labeled "War-Taxed Common Cloth, Tariff 84%" in the other. Above the counter, a sign reads, "If you don’t see what you want, ask for it." The cartoon, signed by W.A. Rogers, appears to satirize the Republican Party's economic policies, highlighting the disparity in taxation between luxury items like whiskey and essential goods like...
Put forward by William McKinley, who was a Congressman at that point, the Tariff Act put duties across imports ranging from 38% to 49.5%.
McKinley was called the Napoleon of Protection. While some items had tariffs eliminated, most had tariffs increased.

🧵2/10 The photo is a black-and-white portrait of a man wearing a formal dark suit, white shirt, and bow tie. His hair is neatly combed and parted to the side. He has a serious expression and is seated, with one hand resting on his lap. The background is plain and dark, keeping the focus on his attire and expression, suggesting a historical or official photograph, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century.
One reason for the tariffs was to force the annexation of Canada. The McKinley Tariff declined to make an exception for Canadian products.
It was hoped this would make Canada more reliant on the US market, and push Canadians to become the 45th state.

🧵3/10 The image is a black-and-white scan of a newspaper article or editorial excerpt. The headline reads, "A TRIUMPH FOR CANADIAN BARLEY." The text discusses the McKinley tariff bill, describing it as an example of "protectionism run mad," and notes that it has failed to achieve its goal of affecting Canadian farmers. Specifically, it mentions that the bill increases the import tax on barley from 10¢ to 30¢ per bushel, but this has not reduced the importation of eight to twelve million bushels of barley yearly from Ontario, benefiting the western farmer. The text is formatted...
Secretary of State James G. Blaine believed that annexation would eliminate competition with Canada over fishing and timber rights. Blane co-authored the Tariff Act.
He stated of annexation: "a grander and nobler brotherly love, that may unite in the end”

🧵4/10 describe photo The photo is a black-and-white portrait of an older man with a full, gray beard and gray hair, wearing a formal dark suit, white shirt, and bow tie. He has a serious expression and is seated against a plain, dark background. The image has a classic, historical feel, likely from the 19th century, suggesting it is a formal photograph of a notable figure, such as a politician or public figure.
British politician Lyon Playfair saw the Tariff Act for what it was. He called it a covert attack on Canada,
Both Britain and the United States believed the Tariff Act would drive Canada to join the United States.
In reality, it had the complete opposite result.

🧵5/10 The image is a black-and-white scan of a newspaper article excerpt from The Globe, dated November 15. The text reports on a speech by Sir Lyon Playfair, as cabled by the newspaper's London correspondent. The article highlights Playfair's address at Leeds, emphasizing his warning about the dangers of protectionism in the United States and his recommendation for Canada to adopt free trade principles. It mentions that Europe and Asia will contribute to Canada's future greatness and prosperity, potentially making it one of the greatest and most prosperous countries in the world through commerci...
The Tariff Act instead pushed Canada to align itself more with Britain. People began to rally behind their "love for Queen, flag, and country".
Sir John A. Macdonald used the tariffs as a rallying cry in the 1891 election and was able to win another majority government.

🧵6/10 The photo is a black-and-white portrait of an older man with gray, curly hair and a serious expression. He is wearing a dark suit, a white shirt, and a polka-dotted tie with a pin or medallion on it. The background is plain and dark, emphasizing the formal attire and the subject's composed demeanor. The image has a historical feel, likely from the 19th century, suggesting it is a formal photograph of a notable figure, such as a politician or public figure.
Within two years of the Tariff Act being passed, agricultural exports to Britain from Canada went from $3.5 million to $15 million.
Produce and animal exports to Britain grew from $16 million to $24 million during that same period.

🧵7/10 The image is a black-and-white scan of a newspaper article excerpt with the headline "Our Egg Trade With Britain." The text discusses a commercial bulletin (No. 4) related to eggs, poultry, canned goods, dressed and evaporated fruits. It highlights that exports of eggs from Canada to Britain are rapidly increasing and notes an almost unlimited market for Canadian eggs. The text is formatted in a dense, traditional newspaper column style, typical of the late 19th or early 20th century.
Minister of Trade and Commerce Mackenzie Bowell said:
“The McKinley Bill, instead of destroying the trade of this country, has only diverted it from the United States to England."
American consumers dealt with a sharp increase in prices.

🧵8/10 The photo is a black-and-white portrait of an older man with white hair and a full white beard, wearing a formal dark suit, white shirt, and bow tie. He has a serious expression and stands against a plain, dark background. The image has a historical feel, likely from the 19th century, suggesting it is a formal photograph of a notable figure, such as a politician or public figure.
The Republicans lost the 1890 Congressional elections, losing 93 seats while the Democrats gained 86.
In 1892, the Democrats gained control of the Senate, House and Presidency.
They then replaced the Tariff Act with a new act that lowered tariffs.

🧵9/10 The image is a black-and-white scan of a newspaper headline and article excerpt. The large, bold headline reads, "Cleveland Elected." Below it, subheadings state, "McKinleyism Is Ended Forever," "Tariff is a Tax," and "WE ARE THE PEOPLE!" The article mentions a "Perfect Landslide For The Democracy. The Democratic Cyclone of 1880 Repeated." The text is formatted in a dense, traditional newspaper style, typical of the late 19th century, likely celebrating the election victory of Grover Cleveland and the Democratic Party in 1892, opposing the p...
I hope you enjoyed that look at the McKinley Tariffs and the impact on Canada.

If you enjoy my Canadian history content, you can support my work with a donation at 👇


*sources in next post*

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More from @CraigBaird

Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Apr 25
The St. Lawrence Seaway was one of the most important construction projects in Canadian history.
It allows ships to reach the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean, but the project came at a cost to 6,500 Canadians.
This is the story of The Lost Villages.

🧵 1/17 Aerial view of a wide waterway with two large cargo ships traveling in the same direction along a marked channel. The ships have long, flat decks with red cargo holds and white superstructures. The water is bordered by green islands and shoreline vegetation, with narrow strips of land separating channels. In the distance, the waterway continues toward industrial structures and more ships. The sky above is partly cloudy.
During construction, the Moses-Saunders Power Dam was built.
The dam sits on the border of the United States and Canada.
The dam led to rising waters in the area and the forced relocation of 6,500 people from the Lost Villages.

🧵2/17 Black-and-white aerial view of a large canal lock and dam complex under construction. A long row of lock gates and concrete walls stretches across the waterway. In the foreground, a narrower channel with control structures and machinery leads toward the main lock. Surrounding the site are excavated earth, dirt roads, and partially flooded areas. Sparse vegetation and farmland extend into the distance beyond the construction zone.
Residents were paid for the loss of their homes but the prices were low because land prices had fallen due to the anticipated flooding of the communities. Some residents were moved despite a refusal to accept money. In 2008, Ontario Hydro officially apologized.

🧵3/17 Black-and-white photograph of four people standing on a partially flooded roadway or causeway. Two adults stand on the left, with a child between them and another adult on the right. They face toward the left, looking out over the water. The roadway is wet and scattered with debris, and water stretches across both sides of the road. In the distance, low land and a line of trees are visible along the horizon.
Read 18 tweets
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Apr 6
Today is Tartan Day! The day was first celebrated in 1987 in Nova Scotia and has been celebrated nationally since 2010.
Canada's Official Tartan was designed in 1964 by David Weiser.
Here are the official (and unofficial) tartans of Canada's provinces and territories.

🧵1/16 A repeating tartan pattern made up of large squares in dark red and deep green, intersected by thick beige stripes. Thin black and yellow lines run through the design, creating smaller crosshatched sections within the larger squares. The pattern is evenly spaced and symmetrical across the image.
British Columbia:

This tartan was designed by Eric Ward in 1966 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the union of Vancouver Island and British Colony. It was adopted as the official tartan in 1974. It represents the Pacific Ocean, the forests and the Pacific Dogwood.

🧵2/16 A repeating tartan pattern featuring large red squares intersected with light blue bands. Dark green blocks appear between the red areas, while thin yellow and black lines run throughout the design, forming fine crosshatched details. The pattern is dense, with multiple overlapping stripes creating a layered, symmetrical grid across the image.
Alberta:

The official tartan was designed by Alison Lamb, director of the Edmonton Rehabilitation Society, and Ellen Neilsen, the weaving instructor. It was adopted in 1961. It represents the forests, grain fields and Alberta's official colours.

🧵3/16 A repeating tartan pattern with a light green base, overlaid by darker green squares. Wide pale yellow stripes run both vertically and horizontally, intersected by thin white and blue lines. Fine black lines add additional crosshatching, creating a structured grid of evenly spaced squares across the image.
Read 16 tweets
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Apr 4
From 1963 to 2009, Canadian Roman Catholic priests took to the ice for charity.
Through 907 games, they raised $4 million and only lost six games.
Not bad for a team whose backup goalie was a horse.
This is the story of the Flying Fathers!

🧵 1/10 A black-and-white photo of a person on an ice rink wearing a nun costume, including a long dark habit and white head covering. The person is skating in a low, forward-leaning position while holding a hockey stick with both hands. One leg is extended behind, and the other is bent, suggesting motion across the ice. A puck is visible near the blade of the stick. The background shows rink boards and a smooth ice surface.
In 1963, two priests from Northern Ontario, Les Costello and Brian McKee, heard about a boy who lost the use of an eye. His mother couldn't cover the medical bills so they organized a charity game to raise money.
Costello had played in the NHL for 15 games in 1948-49.

🧵2/10 A black-and-white portrait of Les Costello. He is smiling, facing slightly toward the camera, with short dark hair neatly styled. He wears a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey sweater featuring a large maple leaf crest with the team name across the front. The background is plain and light, keeping the focus on his face and upper body.
The game raised $5,000 to help the mother. Originally it was supposed to be a one-off event but proved to be so popular it became an annual tradition.
Calling themselves the Flying Fathers and Puckster Priests, they became known for their entertaining antics on the ice.

🧵3/10 A black-and-white photo of a hockey game in progress. In the foreground, a goaltender wearing large leg pads, a blocker, and a mask is positioned in front of the net, crouched and watching the play. A player wearing a jersey with the name Shephard and the number 42 is skating toward the net from the right side, holding a stick and facing the goalie. Another player is partly visible at the left edge of the frame. Behind the net, a man in a dark jersey and cap leans forward over the boards, holding a puck in one hand. Spectators sit in the stands behind glass panels, watching the action. The...
Read 11 tweets
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Mar 29
In 2006, after the Alberta government had a huge surplus, three million people received a cheque for $400.
Officially called Prosperity Bonus, the cheques were more widely known as Ralph Bucks, named after Premier Ralph Klein.
This is the story.

🧵 1/7 Image
In November 2004, the Progressive Conservatives won their 10th consecutive majority government. While it was another election win for the party, the party was worried after it saw the popular vote fall from 61.9% to 46.8%, its lowest since 1993.

🧵 2/7 Newspaper front page with the headline Klein wins big and a subheadline stating that Liberals and NDP gained seats at the Tories’ expense. A large central photo shows Ralph Klein smiling and raising his hand. On the left is an editorial column titled And now Mr. Premier, what is the plan? On the right, a smaller article discusses a Liberal breakthrough in Calgary with a small portrait of Kevin Taft. Additional text and smaller headlines appear along the bottom of the page.
In September 2005, Premier Ralph Klein announced that the province had a $6.8 billion surplus due to high oil and gas prices. This was far above the $2.8 billion that was previously estimated in the 2005-06 budget, and part of that would go to Albertans.

🧵 3/7 Ralph Klein standing outdoors in front of a building entrance, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie. He faces slightly to the left with a neutral expression while speaking to reporters. Several microphones are held up toward him, including one with a visible Global logo. Glass doors and part of the building facade appear in the background.
Read 8 tweets
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Mar 21
From 1928 to 1972, the Alberta Eugenics Board imposed sterilization on individuals deemed by an appointed board to be "mentally defective".
In that time, 2,832 sterilizations were conducted, the vast majority without consent.
This is the story.

🧵 1/10 Black-and-white photograph of four adults posed outdoors in front of leafy trees. Two people stand in the back row: a woman on the left wearing a light-coloured dress with a cloche-style hat and a corsage pinned to her chest, and a man on the right in a suit and tie with his hands clasped in front of him. In the foreground, two men sit on the ground. The man on the left sits with one knee raised and his arm resting casually on it, while the man on the right sits beside him wearing round eyeglasses and a suit. Both are smiling slightly. The setting appears to be a garden or park, with dens...
In the early-1900s, eugenics was growing in popularity. By the early-1920s, eugenics supporters began to lobby Alberta's ruling party, the United Farmers of Alberta, to implement eugenics legislation. On March 25, 1927, the UFA introduced a sexual sterilization bill.

🧵 2/10 Black-and-white illustration of a large tree labeled Eugenics, with the word displayed prominently across a banner at the top of the tree. The trunk and roots spread outward, with various fields labeled along the roots, including biology, psychology, genetics, anthropology, history, geology, and archaeology. Text on either side of the tree reads Eugenics is the self direction on the left and of human evolution on the right. Additional labels appear among the roots, such as statistics, genealogy, sociology, education, and religion. A caption at the bottom reads Like a tree eugenics draws i...
The bill was opposed by the Conservative and Liberal parties and did not reach second reading. It was reintroduced on Feb. 23, 1928 and passed one month later.
The Act formed the Alberta Eugenics Board, which was chaired by Dr. J.M. MacEachran.

🧵 3/10 Black-and-white close-up portrait of a man outdoors. He is shown from the shoulders up, wearing a suit jacket, collared shirt, and tie. His hair is short and neatly combed, and he has a slight smile. The background is softly blurred with foliage, suggesting a garden or park setting.
Read 11 tweets
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Mar 15
In pre-colonial Canada, the First Nations established many prominent settlements.
Two of the most famous were Hochelaga and Stadacona, located on the sites of Montreal and Quebec City.
These two villages were home to nearly 4,000 people.
This is their story.

🧵 1/9 Overhead view of a detailed scale model showing a circular fortified settlement surrounded by a wooden palisade wall. Inside the enclosure, numerous long, oval-shaped bark-covered longhouses are arranged across an open central area. Narrow pathways run between the buildings, and small figures are placed throughout the village. Outside the palisade, dense forest with green, yellow, and red foliage surrounds the site, suggesting an autumn landscape.
It is not known when Hochelaga first appeared.
Historians believe the village was established at some point between 1200 CE and 1500 CE. The village apparently sat at the base of Mount Royal, and was surrounded by farmland.

🧵2/9 Historical illustration showing a gathering of Indigenous people and European men near a wooden structure in a village setting. In the foreground, a woman wearing a long patterned garment bends toward a small child standing beside her. To the right, a man stands on a ladder leaning against a wooden wall while another woman stands nearby. In the middle distance, a European man in a blue coat holds a flag with white cross symbols while other men stand behind him carrying flags and staffs. Around them, numerous Indigenous men and women stand or walk through the scene, many wearing traditional ...
The size of the village varied by the time of year. When Jacques Cartier arrived in 1535 it had between 1000 and 3000 people.
Within the village there was at least 50 homes, according to Cartier.
Each home measured 15 metres in length and 3.5-4.5 metres in width.

🧵3/9 Colour historical illustration depicting a meeting between European explorers and an Indigenous community in a large village. In the foreground, a bearded European man in armor kneels and speaks with an Indigenous man seated on the ground while other Indigenous men sit nearby watching. Behind them stand European soldiers in helmets and armor holding flags and weapons. The background shows rows of longhouses enclosed by a tall wooden palisade, with many people gathered throughout the settlement. Forested hills rise in the distance under a pale sky.
Read 10 tweets

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