Factors Leading to Canadian Confederation

Overview: 6 Factors The Threat of an American Takeover Political Deadlock in Upper & Lower Canada The Trouble with Trade Fenian Raids The Need for Rail Links Changing British Attitudes

Situation in the USA From 1861 until 1865, the Americans had been fighting in brutal a civil war. A civil war is a war between people who live in the same country. In the American Civil War, the northern states were fighting against the south. The south was fighting to break away from the rest of the USA, but the north did not want this to happen.

U.S. Purchased Alaska from Russia American settlers, railways were moving close to the Red River Settlement Gold Rush brought many Americans to the colony of British Colombia.

Manifest Destiny spreads her wings over North America

Panic Attack! When the north won the civil war in 1865, Canadians worried that they would send their army into Canada as a way of getting back at Britain Many American newspapers and politicians were discussing the takeover of Canada at this time. Many Americans believed in Manifest Destiny, the belief that one day the USA would control all of North America.

Video Clip Watch the following clip from Canada: A People’s History about the growing concern from the American Civil War.

Your Turn… Do you believe that the threat of American take over was a legitimate concern? If you were a political leader in Upper or Lower Canada in the 1860’s would you have pushed for confederation to occur or be happy with remaining a British colony? Why or why not?

Political Deadlock To settle the dispute between the French and English within Upper and Lower Canada during the Rebellions of 1836-37, the British Government decided that the fairest way to establish a government was to give each side equal representation.

Equal Representation Problem I need two volunteers to come to the front. Each side is given a scenario that they believe in and when the vote happens both are to vote for what they believe.

What is the outcome? What problems does this outcome pose? How could any laws be passed?

As a result of equal representation, our government became very ineffective. Leaders such as Sir. John A. MacDonald finally got annoyed and tried to establish a new system of government by expanding the colony and thus expanding the number of votes available to hopefully pass laws.

The Trouble With Trade British North America had been enjoying a special arrangement (“the corn law”) where they could trade with Britain at reduced prices and a low amount of tax. Under the Corn Laws, Canadian products such as wheat and flour could be imported by Britain at cost that was lower than growing it themselves. America did not enjoy this preferential treatment, and had to pay higher taxes to trade with Britain

Corn Laws: Explained! The corn laws were good for Canada because they allowed the country to export raw materials overseas The export of products makes revenue (money) for Canada, which increases the wealth and economy of the nation. Without the corn laws, Canada would have to compete against the rest of the world and pay the same taxes as everyone else!

Fenian Raids Irish in U.S who fought against Britain Figured if they captured British Colonies the British would leave Ireland. – Attacked Canada several times.

What Effect Did the Raids Have? 1. Sir John A. argued a strong united nation would be more able to resist Fenians. 2. Growing feeling of resentment towards U.S – More reason to be united.

The Need for Rail Links Very Important to have a railway for effective trade. “Grand Trunk Railway” – Project to connect Canada West to Maritimes Only way to finish it was to be united. Share expenses.

Railway is essential for: Trade Defense against U.S – easier movement of troops Confederation

No Money, No Train. People realized that the track could only be completed if expenses were shared between all the colonies This link was essential for the defense of Canada, as troops could be moved quickly. A railway link between the colonies was essential for trade and defense. John A. MacDonald was determined to see his dream through…

A Change of Heart In 1846, Britain suddenly announced that it was no longer giving Canada special treatment. Britain replaced the corn laws with free trade, which meant that Britain would allow goods to enter the country without any taxes/tariffs, making them cheaper to buy & sell. This made Canadians upset and caused serious problems with the economy of British North America.

Bring on Confederation!!

Your Task… Option 1: Create a visual timeline based on historical research illustrating all the events leading to Canadian Confederation. Option 2: Create an editorial written report based on researched facts and opinions that clearly states whether you believe the decision to pursue Confederation was the right or wrong decision.