Why Unite? 1860s Confederation of Canada Chapter 7 Mid-1800s

What is Confederation? (p. 118) Federalism: A group of colonies united by a single federal government. –Provinces still have their own governments. Colonies signed the British North America Act (1867) –Name changed: Now called Canadian Constitution, Charter of Rights and Freedoms added (1982). –Constitution: document that states what the government can and cannot do (Laws, rules)

Dominion of Canada

Canada, 1867

How did British North America turn into the Dominion of Canada?

1841: Province of Canada A province created from combining Lower and Upper Canada. –Durham report (p. 111). –Act of Union French and English people under control of one colonial (British) government. –A solution to the Rebellions of 1837 and 1838.

Province of Canada

Political Unrest in Province of Canada p  French in East Canada did not want to be under the control of the British.  Politicians Disputed: Economics, Politics, Immigration, Language –French and English clash culturally and politically.  Politicians could not agree: deadlocked.

Solution to Political Problems in Province of Canada Solution? Confederation! New Federal Government while Quebec maintains its provincial government. Federalism: A group of colonies united by a single federal government. –Provinces still have provincial governments.

Why Unite ALL of BNA?

Economic Reasons (p ) Trade between united provinces easier than between divided colonies. –Can better organize trade deals. –One single currency. Can borrow money from each other, share costs of military, railways, etc.

Build a National Railway National Railway – throughout colonies. –Provinces share the cost as well as the railways. –Some Railways cost $52 million then (1.3 billion now). Expand West – populate western areas (HBC land) with settlers.

1880s Railroad Workers

Security: Strength in Numbers USA politicians and groups discussed invasions of BNA: –War of 1812 –Fenains attack Lower Canada and New Brunswick– angry Irish-Americans wanted to take over BNA because British took over Ireland. National Defense: a federal government can organize its military forces to protect its different regions.

United We Stand Civil Wars in other Countries –USA Divided (Civil War ) –Political and economical turmoil, people dying. United by Trade: Railways –Increase trade between peoples.

Back to “Why Unite?” (p ) Stabilize relations between French and English in Province of Canada. –Allow provinces to have their own governments, but under the control of a federal governing body. Military strength. Trade. National railway –Communication, transport of people, troops and goods.

Who? More about these men later Political Officials –Elected. John A MacDonald Charles Tupper Charles Fisher Joseph Howe Leonard Tilley John Gray

Where Did They Meet? Charlottetown Conference September –Talk of a Maritime Union between NB, NS, PEI. –Figured out how the federal government will work, its relationship with Britain. Quebec Conference 1864 (p. 122) –72 Resolutions – details of new federal government. London Conference –Drafting British North America Act: unites BNA into the Dominion of Canada.

Charlottetown, PEI 1864 p. 119

Charlottetown, 1864 p. 119 Oakbay.sd61.bc.ca

Quebec Conference, 1864 p. 122

London Conference

Quebec Conference 1864 Quebec Conference October –Details figured out, ready for London Conference. –72 Resolutions Issued. Activity: Step 1: Turn to page 122 in your textbooks. READ: Read the blue box titled “The Main Ideas of the Seventy-Two Resolutions.

(Page 122) Who is Politically Empowered by these resolutions? Still loyal to Britain. Federal government in charge of finances and military. Each colony would be a province, each province will have control over local issues Representation by Population: –More people = more representatives in government and more political empowerment.

Who Fought for Confederation? John A MacDonald – Upper Canada Charles Tupper – Nova Scotia Charles Fisher – New Brunswick Joseph Howe – Nova Scotia Leonard Tilley – New Brunswick John Gray – PEI

Canada 1867

Activity #2: Your Province in History Preparing for a debate: Groups assigned. Research. Prepare for the debate. Debate.

New Brunswick: Charles Fisher Reformer - Responsible Government. Fought for support for Confederation in New Brunswick. His political career is filled with controversies. Page 115. BACK

Upper Canada: John A. MacDonald Wanted national railway. Scottish in origin. Premier of Upper Canada between 1856 – Government was politically instable – pushed for change in the form of a Confederation with other colonies. BACK

Leonard Tilley – New Brunswick Suggested the name “Dominion of Canada”. –“Dominion” – not a colony, but not independent. –“Canada” – name given to general area of British North America before Confederation. Political leader in New Brunswick. Page 120. BACK

Nova Scotia: Charles Tupper Born and raised in Nova Scotia. Premier of Nova Scotia 1864 to Suggested Maritime Union of NS, NB and PEI. Supported Confederation. Page 120. BACK

Nova Scotia: Joseph Howe Novascotian Newspaper. His writings and political work helped to form the first Responsible Government in Canada. Anti-confederation – thought Nova Scotia would not benefit from a confederation. Page 107. BACK

John Gray: PEI Military Man, born and raised in PEI. For Confederation. Later did not support Confederation –Thought PEI would not be represented appropriately in federal government – 1864 – Premier of PEI. Page 120 in textbook. BACK