The Road to Confederation

What as the point of Act of Union? I am going to be upset if you do not know this one. ASSIMILATION OF THE FRENCH!! Turns out the Act of Union has a number of other problems Economic- Free Trade Agreement is issue Political- The call of “Rep. by pop.” Military- Look out, the Americans want land!

Economic Problems Loss of Free Trade with Great Britain Great Britain used to protect its colonies by offering to buy their products at a good price and forcing all other countries to pay high tariffs. In 1846, Great Britain decides to no longer protect its colonies. Result: No more sweetheart deals for the colonies Canada pushed toward economic arrangements w/ US

Economic Problems Then Loss Of Free Trade w/ the U.S. Free trade agreement with the United States for approximately 12 years (1854-1866). we have access to the vast American market. So, losing Reciprocity Treaty in 1866 means we no longer have Great Britain or the United States to depend on as buyers of our goods.

Political Problems Cartier’s Fight- Equal Rep. In 1840: Canada East 600,000 people Canada West 400,000 people And both have 42 representatives. In 1851: Canada East 890,000 people Canada West 950,000 people And both still have 42 representatives. What is the problem you see here?

Political Problems Rep by Pop- Brown’s Fight Why do you think most people in Canada East opposed rep by pop.? Pop. is not increasing, will lose representation More important, Fr. representation will be lost The call is made for “rep by pop” led by George Brown (MacDonald’s great nemesis)

Military Problems Manifest Destiny Americans at this time think it is their duty to expand their territory throughout North America. In the 1860s, Western Canada has very few people living there. One idea is to settle the West so that it will not be lost.

Fenian Raids Irish Americans invade Canada to take in hostage to trade it to free Ireland from the British! Yes really.. No seriously, as stupid as it sounds, that’s the truth.

Caricature A caricature is an exaggerated drawing, often for comedic effect. Like those artists in Old Montreal who will sketch you with big ears and funny teeth, etc.

Political Cartoons Political cartoons often use caricature and personification. Personification is when a place or a thing is represented by a person. In this case, Cousin Jonathan is the United States. Miss Britannia is Great Britain. And of course Miss Canada is Canada.

Political Cartoon A pertinent question: Miss Canada tells Miss Britannia that she will never be united with her Cousin Jonathan.

The Annexation Machine The way Brother Jonathan will astonish the natives. Annexation comes in by the rail, while liberty flies off in the smoke. According to this caricature, what will Canadians lose with annexation with the U.S.? _____________________

Cartoon Young Canada says: “We don’t want you here.” John Bull: “That’s right, my son, no matter what comes, an empty house is better than such a tenant as that.”

Cartoon What does John Bull mean by that? ________________________________________________________________ Who does John Bull represent? ________________________________

Cartoon FROM HALIFAX TO VANCOUVER Miss Canada: “This is what we want, Cousin Jonathan. It will give us real independence and stop the foolish talk about annexation.” Jonathan: “Wal, Miss, I guess you’re about right thar, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Cartoon What will eliminate “foolish talk of annexation” for Miss Canada? ____________________________________ Why is Jonathan not impressed? ______________________________________________________