Achieving Responsible Government Political Empowerment

After the Rebellions The rebellions of Lower and Upper Canada were put down by the British, BUT some changes did take place. Lord Durham was sent by the British government to check the situation out and give them advice on what to do next.

The Durham Report (1838) Join Upper and Lower Canada into one: Province of Canada. Hoping for greater control over the French; assimilation/disappearance of French culture. Responsible government Durham believed that all should have the chance for education and a say in government.

1848-1855: Responsible Gov’t Achieved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=779-qCM_fLU Changing attitudes towards the colonies by the British helped lead to RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT.

Trade British colonies benefitted from all of the many resources in their various colonies, such as fur, lumber, fish, etc. They wanted to continue having a trade preference – this means goods were not taxed when they entered Britain, causing them to be cheaper.

Trade Continued The colonies were financially draining – think of all of the things your government has to pay for – the British government no longer cared to be responsible for such things as military protection and the building of infrastructure (roads, canals, railways, etc.) Independence would be CHEAPER for Britain.

Even More Trade Free Trade was introduced: all items coming into Britain were taxed in the same way – this meant that Britain could “shop around” for the best price.

Political Parties During the rebellions, the Reformers learned that a lot of arguing would get them nowhere. So, they formed political parties, alliances, causing then to become more powerful. Two main parties emerged: Reformers/Liberals and Tories/Liberals

1847: Nova Scotia NS was the first to have responsible government. Assembly member Joseph Howe helped create a strong reform party in the colony, and had pushed for responsible gov’t. In 1848, the first official election was held and the Reform Party won the majority. James Boyle Uniacke, leader of the Reform Party = first Premier of NS.

1849: Province of Canada A great deal of arguing between Canada East and West (what we now know as Quebec and Ontario) caused responsible government to happen slower here. Finally Lafontaine and Baldwin got together and made it possible.

1851: P. E. I. PEI struggled to achieve responsible government in the beginning. Many rich elite owned land, but did not actually live here – farmers rented and worked the land. These farmers were not allowed to be part of the gov’t (did not own land). A large group of farmers were fighting for the right to be able to buy the land from absent landholders. Those who DID own land and lived on the island controlled the gov’t.

1851: P.E.I. Cont’d The Legislative and Executive Council, made up of landowners were pitted against the Assembly, those farmers who wanted reform. Finally Britain gave in and gave PEI responsible gov’t.

1854: New Brunswick Biggest issue: how income from timberlands would be spent. Although most agreed on how it should be spent, many still desired responsible government.

1855: Newfoundland Roman Catholic and Methodist politicians joined together and fought for responsible government. Legislative & Executive Council Assembly Appointed Members of the Church of England Elected Roman-Catholics, Methodists, and others NOT from the Church of England.

Representative Vs. Responsible Using the charts on page 100 and 116 of your textbook, compare Representative and Responsible Government and pass in.