Imperialism vs Nationalism ~ Patriotism Emerges

During the dawn of the 20th century, Canada was faced with not only an emerging economy, but with new emerging ideals and viewpoints. It was during the 'Laurier Boom,' where the economy and industries saw great growth, when people started disputing and arguing over the future of this great country.As they saw, arguing sometimes creates a stronger bond between people, and that's exactly what happened.

The Boer War
It was 1899, and in the interest of seizing the great diamond and gold mines of South Africa, the British Empire raged war with the Boers, descendants of dutch colonists in Africa. The British supposedly were trying to ensure equal rights for British subjects in Africa, but the international community saw it for what it was, and heavily criticized them. Britain called on its colonies for support, and the English-Canadians felt that it was crucial for Canada to back them up. The French on the other hand, weren't so keen, and sympathized with the Boers. Amid the Controversy, Wilfred Laurier decided to compromise, and sent volunteer citizens to Africa to join the battle, and those who didn't want to join didn't have to.
Result
Laurier's decision to compromise really annoyed French-Canadians, as they heavily criticized the government's indecisiveness. The French wanted Canada to become more independent, and be in charge of its own international policy. The English wanted to preserve ties with Britain, as many were still connected via their business and had their family there as well. Thus the controversy around imperialism and nationalism was aroused. The ultimate debate had Canadians divided.

The Naval Issue
This controversy, in a nut shell, dealt with two possible paths for Canada to take in terms of defending its coasts. Do we develop our own navy and defend ourselves, or do we pool in resources, and allow Britain to defend us. As usual, the divide lay between the French and the English. The English felt confident in Britain's empire and its infamous navy, and wanted Canada to back them up in times of distress. With the threat of a world war looming, Britain had its hands full as it tried developing the best ships before Germany.
Result
In 1910, Laurier introduced the Naval Service Act, in which Canada would develop a navy, which it would then hand over to Britain in times of need. This angered both sides, as the French felt it should sever ties with Britain, and the English laughing at the incompetent Canadian ships compared to the new 'Dreadnoughts,' top of the class warships. Once again, the issue further divided Canadians.

The Alaska Boundary Dispute
For once Canadians could agree to something, and that was over the disputed territory in North West Canada. As gold started making its discovery known to the North, Canada and U.S.A all had different claims over the 'Alaska Panhandle,' a territory which made up the northern half of B.C.'s coast. In a bid to settle the issue, both countries decided to settle it by utilizing an international tribunal, which was a panel of judges chosen from three different countries. There were three representatives for the U.S., two for Canada, and seeing how it still had influence over Canada, a representative on behalf of Britain. Britain was having its own share of territory disputes with the U.S., and didn't want to anger them. They decided to side with the U.S., leading in a 4-2 loss for Canada.
 Result
 Canadians were furious over the decision, and felt that Britain had 'back-stabbed' them. Protests for complete independence raged across the country, and feelings for nationalism soared. Canada was united as a country, and even though we lost the dispute over the 'Alaska Panhandle,' we won a greater battle, that in uniting Canada, and giving Canadians and identity and a culture.