1. Canada Before Confederation 1840-1867
Growth and Change

2. Canada Before Confederation

3. Canada Before Confederation
The Great Migration
Total

4. The Great Migration Where are they coming from?
Escaped African American slaves from southern USA
the UK
Scotland
England
Wales
Ireland – The Great Potato Famine –
potato crop failed two years in a row; 1845 and 1846
Millions of Irish were slowly starving to death

5. The Great Migration How are they getting here?
Overcrowded sailing ships
The “Underground Railroad”

6. Canada Before Confederation
The Arrival

7. Canada Before Confederation
The colonies and the mother country
The colonies of BNA got preferential treatment in trading with Britain
Protective tariffs
The economy flourished under these conditions – times were good
Wheat, lumber and other products sold well in Britain
This prosperity attracted new immigrants

8. Canada Before Confederation
The end of the “Good Times
The Industrial Revolution is progressing along at a lightning-quick pace
Factory owners in Britain and USA push for Free Trade
End of Colonial Preference and the “Corn Laws”
Colonial businesses start to hit some hard times
Many businesses in the colonies are in danger of going bankrupt

9. Canada Before Confederation
Lord Elgin to the Rescue
Lord Elgin, Governor General
Lord Elgin personally intervenes to improve things
Travels to Washington, D.C.
Negotiates a free trade agreement with the U.S. Government
The Reciprocity Treaty of 1854
Agreement to remove any protective tariffs on cross-border trade between B.N.A. and U.S.

10. Canada Before Confederation
The Industrial Revolution
Scientific & Engineering Progress
Improved transportation options
Canals to connect waterways
Lachine Canal 1823
Welland Canal 1829
Rideau Canal 1832
Railroads to connect cities
Grand Trunk Railroad 1852
Great Western Railway 1853
Steam ships
Faster water travel
6626

11. Canada Before Confederation
Railways

12. Canada Before Confederation
The State of the Nation
By the 1860s, British North America is:
Population is growing quickly from immigration
Having a vibrant economy
Connections between colonies are growing stronger because of easier travel
This growing sense of unity will combine with a sense of urgency because of events in the USA