Since Lord Durham’s recommendation, many politicians dreamed of uniting the British North American colonies into a federation Led by John A. MacDonald

A central government to control: Defence External relations Currency Postage Taxations Etc. At the time, these things were controlled by Britain

1. Canada East (French Canadians) Scared they will be a minority in an English-speaking nation

What were they? -PEI -New Brunswick -Nova Scotia -Newfoundland They felt they had little in common with the province of Canada

BOTH PREFERRED THE BRITISH TO BE IN CHARGE RATHER THAN HAVE THE POWER SHIFT TO CENTRAL CANADA

Excitement Building a new nation from sea to sea One of the largest nations on Earth The leaders of Confederation had to convince others of their dream Many politicians and business people were opposed Too expensive What were the motives?

The Canada’s were joined in what year? Under whose recommendation? What was the Act called? What else did Durham recommend? Responsible government

Elected by the people GOVERNOR Executive Council Legislative Council Legislative Assembly Responsible to the Legislative Assembly

The colonies governing themselves was a new idea Would self-government work? Would it weaken the British Empire? Would it strengthen British enemies (US and France)? Thought it might create economic problems in both Canada and Britain Many still wanted mercantilism The home country (Britain) takes raw materials (wood, fur, fish, etc.) from the colonies and manufactures them, which it sells for profit

Britain’s relationship with the colonies was already changing 1846, Britain took away the Corn Laws: Had given special trading privileges to the British colonies Low duties allowed wheat and flour production to grow in Upper Canada Britain wanted free trade so that it could get the cheapest prices on products from anywhere Caused Canada’s economy to go into a depression

Canada’s economy based on: Shipbuilding for the British trade Exporting raw materials and agricultural products Very little manufacturing The removal of the Corn Laws was devastating  Canada begins thinking about becoming its own country Could create its own economic policy that would serve its people better.

Appointed governor in 1847 In charge of introducing responsible government

Elected by the people GOVERNOR Executive Council Legislative Council Legislative Assembly Responsible to the Legislative Assembly

Remember the Rebellions? In 1849, the elected government passed a bill to give compensation to anyone who lost property during the rebellions (even the rebels) The Rebellions Losses Bill People who had fought against the rebels were angry Treason was being rewarded! Lord Elgin opposed the bill, but could not do anything because of responsible government (could not veto)

People attacked Lord Elgin’s carriage Violence exploded into a riot The parliament buildings were burned

People who were opposed to the Rebellions Losses Bill published an Annexation Manifesto- a plan for the US to take over Canada.

FINISH POSTER FOR MONDAY KNOW YOUR NEW DEFINITIONS FROM CHAPTER 2: Victorian-Corn Laws To assimilate-depression Suffrage-treason Infrastructure-to annex Federation-American Civil War External relations-Mercantilism Responsible government