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Montreal
Spreading in an area of 366. 02 square kilometers
Montreal by far is the second largest city of Canada and the largest
city in the province of Quebec. Montreal is also the eighth largest
metropolitan area in North America and is 77th in the
world. Montreal lies in the southwestern corner of Quebec, few miles
away from the Quebec City which is the capital of the Quebec province.
The population of the city is 1,583,590 approximately, which makes it
the second most populated city of Quebec.
The Montreal city is known for its unique
lifestyle and culture. The people of the city believe in the phrase
‘joie de vivre’ which means ‘joy of living’. The charismatic natural
beauty of the city, big restaurants, cafés, cuisine and exciting
nightlife add to the enticement of Montreal. Another unusual feature
of Montreal is its seasons. The hot and humid summers, cool breeze and
falling leaves in autumn and snowy winters, make a visit to this city
a pleasant experience all round the year. Besides this the
distinguished thrilling festivals and events of the city are an
outstanding experience for the visitors. For instance the Montreal
Jazz Festival, Just-for-Laughs Comedy Festival, Montreal’s
International Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival, Montreal World Film
Festival, the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix and the XXI Summer
Olympiad etc. are interesting events that invite people from different
corners of the world.
History reveals that in the beginning the region
was under the control of tribes such as Huron, Algonquin and Iroquois.
These tribes ruled over the place for some eight thousand years. It is
believed that Jacques Cartier was the first European to enter the
region. On 2nd October 1535, Jacques came to Hochelega, on
the island of Montreal.
In 1639 there was first permanent European
settlement on the island of Montreal. It was established by a
Frenchman named Jerome Le Royer. Since the beginning the Iroquois
people were defending their land against the establishment of fur
trading posts. They had successfully opposed the La Place Royale fur
trading post in 1611 and continued their attacks till a peace treaty
was signed in 1701. Till 1760, the Montreal region served as a base
for France after which it was handed over to the British army.
After the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the city had
come under the governance of American Revolutionists for a brief
period. As the Americans left, the British immigration began in the
region. This was accompanied by tremendous increase in the fur trade
business.
In 1832 Montreal was incorporated as a city.
From 1844 to 1849 Montreal served as the capital city of the United
Province of Canada. Gradually Montreal became the largest city in the
British North America and the economic and cultural hub of Canada.
The city suffered greatly during the First World
War, at the time of Great Depression and during the Second World War.
However over the years Canada recovered from the losses so
encountered. The population of Montreal also increased and along with
this the city witnessed several other developments.
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