The Lesson – Dutch War Brides

Introduction:

History tends to focus violent events: on the battles, the atrocities, and the deaths. However, it can be just as important to acknowledge and learn from the history of the common person – the history of great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers, and their daily lives. A reminder of the challenges and struggles they faced in the hopes that their future generations wouldn’t have to.

In this lesson you will get to read 4 stories of 4 Dutch women who left everything they knew behind to be with the men they loved and to create a new life for themselves and their future families in Canada.

Dutch War Bride Stories/Videos:

The Immigration Story of Catharina Williams-Carpenter

The Immigration Story of Ria Conroy

The Immigration Story of Fredrica Filiatrault

The Immigration Story of Maria Elizabeth Dufresne

Lesson Worksheet: Stories of Dutch War Brides

After reading or watching the 4 stories of Dutch War Brides, it’s time to try and put yourself in their place. Answer the following questions as honestly as you can and then discuss.