2. Responsible Government Economics Political Factors Pros/Cons Achieved
Toward Confederation
Responsible Government
Economics
Political Factors
Pros/Cons
Achieved

3. 1841 Act of Union
Unified Upper and Lower Canada into The Province of Canada
English the Official Language
Canada East and Canada West in Government
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were separate

4. Responsible Government for the colonies
Proposed by Lord Durham
A Government subject to the votes of the people
The idea that the colonies should govern themselves- democratically
This idea was not well received by:
British Government
Family Compact
Chateau Clique

5. How to Achieve Economic Stability?
Unification would allow Canada to create its own economic polices
Colonies start to consider a total union because this would help produce:
Larger markets
More industry
Better transport system

6. Government under a united Canada?
It would be necessary to have :
Self government
Responsible and representative government
Democratic government

7. Lord Elgin Still part of British Empire but no cost to govern
Appointed Governor General of Canada by the British Government in 1846
His main job was to make responsible government a reality to help relieve Britain of its economic responsibility to the colonies
Still part of British Empire but no cost to govern

8. Responsible Government
Governments can be voted out if elected representatives fail to please a majority of the people who elected them
This time the Legislative Assembly could actually make laws!
They had power in government!
Diagram Page 101 in your text book

9. The Rebellion Losses Bill 1849
A bill promising compensation to people in Canada East who suffered property damage during the Rebellions of 1837
English in Montreal opposed the Bill
Angry at the rebels
Felt like treason was being rewarded
Elgin forced to sign Bill despite opposition

10. Montreal Riots
Mob attacked Lord Elgin’s carriage as he left parliament
stones, rotten eggs
2 days later set fire to the Parliament buildings
Planned to publish the Annexation Manifesto

11. Annexation Manifesto A plan to allow the US to take over Canada
How would life be different?

12. The American Threat of Manifest Destiny
the 19th century belief that the United States was destined, to expand across North America, by force if necessary
US less likely to invade if territory made part of a united nation of Canada

13. Confederation and the West
Confederation could open up the West for Canadian expansion
HBC land could be annexed to Canada and therefore denied to the US

14. Political Parties
Political Parties represent the interests and goals of certain people
- They create platforms or policies to attracted support

15. Canada East Parties Parti Rouge Parti Bleu
Led by Louis-Joseph Papineau
Represented French Speaking poor and working class
Wanted American style government
Despised the Act of Union
Radical thinking about French-English relations
Led by George-Etienne Cartier
Focused on economic development
Wanted to preserve French language and culture
willing to collaborate with English politicians

16. Canada West Parties Clear Grits Tories Led by George Brown
Radical party that attacked corruption in government
Defended English interests
Supported representation by population
More seats in government for higher populated areas
Led by Macdonald
Middle party
Formed alliance with Parti Bleu to form the Liberal Conservative Party

17. Double Majority
Meant that a bill could only become law if it were passed in both Canada East and Canada West
This made effective government impossible because the two houses could never agree
A bill good for one side was bad for the other
Legislation ended in a stalemate
Another reason to confederate?

18. A Maritime View: Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Against Confederation
In Favour of Confederation
Traded more with the US than the Province of Canada
Already had responsible government and felt independent
Worried would lose power if joined with Province of Canada
Minority groups French and Acadians fearful of English Dominance
Felt loyalty to Britain
Offer Security and protection from the US
National railway provide larger markets for products
Felt loyalty to Britain, so wanted to avoid US influences

19. Fenian Raids
Irish organization that wanted to take revenge on Britain by attacking the colonies
Helped to promote confederation due to a need for security from the US
Instilled fear of American Invasion

20. The BNA Act 1867
Legislation which created the country of Canada July
The Canadian constitution
Written by Canadians yet still recognized the supreme authority of Britain
Power shared between the Provincial and Federal governments

21. Colonies Become Provinces of Canada
The Province of Canada is now Ontario and Quebec
Nova Scotia And New Brunswick keep their name but now provinces with the Dominion of Canada
Rupert’s Land is still HBC territory

22. Who Was Left Out of the Confederation Debate?
Women- able to influence political husbands but no say in confederation
Aboriginals- especially the Métis strongly opposed plans which would deprive them of rights and lands
French and English divide will impact history until present day