Canada’s history has been influenced by the colonization of this land by both France and Great Britain. For many years, France controlled much of the eastern part of Canada.  The headquarters of the French empire in North America was in Quebec. As a result, French is spoken in Quebec, and many cities have French names.  French customs are also part of the history of Quebec.  When France lost the French and Indian War in 1763, France gave Great Britain all of its land in Canada.  As a result, there also is a heavy British influence in Canada. Additionally, Great Britain and the United States split the Oregon Territory with Great Britain controlling the northern part of that territory.  The northern part of the Oregon Territory compromises a good part of western Canada today.  As a result, Great Britain ruled in Canada until its independence in 1867.  Therefore, there are many English customs in Canada, and Canada is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.  Canada's history has been influenced by both French and British colonization.