NAVY HISTORY - PERIODS - Canada 1867-1913

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In the period from 1867 to 1910, the status of the Canadian naval forces was primarily that of a small coastal defense force and fishery protection service. After Confederation in 1867, the British North America Act granted the federal government responsibility for defense matters, including the naval forces.

During this period, the Royal Navy maintained a presence in Canada and continued to be responsible for the country's defense. The Royal Navy operated a small squadron of ships on the North American station, which included vessels stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Esquimalt, British Columbia.

These ships were responsible for protecting British interests in Canada and were available to assist in any Canadian operations if needed.

In addition to the Royal Navy, Canada had a small naval force that consisted of a few ships and a limited number of personnel. The primary role of the Canadian naval forces was to protect the country's coastal waters and to enforce fishing regulations. The fishery protection service was responsible for enforcing fishing regulations in Canadian waters, including the protection of fish stocks, and preventing illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

Despite the limited size and capabilities of the Canadian naval forces, they played an important role in Canadian history during this period. The naval forces were involved in a number of incidents, including the sealing disputes with the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as the Pacific Scandal of 1873, which involved allegations of bribery and corruption in the awarding of contracts for the construction of a transcontinental railway.

Overall, the period from 1867 to 1910 was characterized by a limited Canadian naval presence, with the Royal Navy remaining the primary naval force in Canada. However, the Canadian naval forces played an important role in protecting the country's interests in coastal waters and in enforcing fishing regulations, and laid the foundation for the growth and development of the Royal Canadian Navy in the years to come.

Placeholder image   Dominion 1867 - 1913     Placeholder image