In 1904 Canadian Prime minister, Sir Wilfred Laurier stated, “I think we can claim Canada will fill the twentieth century.” Laurier believed that the nineteenth century belonged to America and the twentieth would be Canada’s. Canada had recently established itself as a country with the Confederation in 1867. Canada's economy was growing rapidly and immigration laws offering free land to the European settlers in attempt to develop the land quicker was working. As well, at this time Canada was participating in the Boer war along-side Britain, which enhanced their reputation internationally. In some ways Canada would fill the twentieth century with its achievements in both World War One and Two, in doing so would gain full autonomy as a country; however, contrary to Laurier’s claim Canada experienced setbacks during The Great Depression and The Cold War.