First major Canadian-American exhibition on first global war opens at the Canadian War MuseumOttawa, Ontario, May 30, 2006 — The Canadian War Museum (CWM) today launched its third international Special Exhibition, Clash of Empires: The War that Made Canada, 1754–1763.The exhibition explores the drama and impact of the Seven Years' War and brings together rare artifacts and period paintings, many for the first time.
Some 250 years ago, the French, the British and First Peoples collided in an historic struggle for North America. Known as the Seven Years' War, it would soon become the world's first global conflict. Erupting in the Pennsylvanian backwoods, war quickly spread to Quebec City, Europe, the West Indies, Africa and Asia. It changed the world map, set the stage for the American Revolution and shaped Canada and the United States.
Clash of Empires brings together the largest collection of Seven Years' War artifacts ever assembled, close to 200 rare and beautiful artifacts and works of art from more than 54 public and private collections in Europe and North America. Some key pieces include a document signed by George Washington confessing to the assassination ("l'assassinat") of a French envoy, a silver wine cup that belonged to Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, and a selection of Dominic Serres paintings of the Québec ruins after the British siege in 1759. Benjamin West's The Death of General Wolfe is on loan from the National Gallery and is featured exclusively at the CWM venue.
"Clash of Empires takes visitors back to a time when war raged on North American soil," said Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum. "The Seven Years' War became the war that made Canada."
Clash of Empires is the first major Canadian-American joint exhibition to tell this compelling story. For Canada, it is the history of the British conquest, which incorporated the northern section of New France into the British Empire. Some of the best-known events for Canadians include the expulsion of the Acadians and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. For the United States, the Seven Years' War is a necessary prelude to the American Revolution. Celebrated events for Americans include George Washington's defence of Fort Necessity and Braddock's defeat at the Battle of the Monongahela. For First Peoples in Canada, this conflict is the first step towards acknowledgement of Aboriginal Title by the Crown.
The exhibition follows the course of the war from its beginnings in the Ohio Valley in 1754 when a British and First Peoples' force, led by George Washington and Seneca chief Tanaghrisson, killed a French envoy. This resulted in England officially declaring war in May 1756, followed by France's declaration one month later. The exhibition continues through First Peoples and French attacks, and the British victories, including the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, that brought the war to a close. A final section examines the consequences of the war for the British, French and First Peoples.
"We're very pleased to partner with the Canadian War Museum for this world-class exhibition," said Andy Masich, President and CEO of the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian. "As the most comprehensive exhibition ever produced on the Seven Years' War, Clash of Empires presents a history that is essential to understanding how the nations of Canada and the United States have evolved."
A number of public programmes will help bring the period to life including demonstrations, re-enactments and creative workshops. Visitors will have opportunities to interact with trained volunteer interpreters or use a family activity guide for a dynamic visit with children. "Expert" tours will also be available on the last Sunday of every month.
Clash of Empires is presented on the 250th anniversary of the declarations of the war by Britain and France. It is on view at the Canadian War Museum from May 31 to November 12, 2006 and will travel to the International Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in the winter of 2007.
An exhibition organized by the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, in partnership with the Canadian War Museum. Supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program.
Information (media):
Christina Selin
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: (819) 776-8607
E-mail: mailto:christina.selin@warmuseum.ca
Pierre Leduc
Communications Officer
Canadian War Museum
Phone: (819) 776-8608
E-mail: mailto:pierre.leduc@warmuseum.ca
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