1. Judging Historical Significance
Ms. Dow
Socials 9

2. Intro
Think about three events that have happened in your life that you think are the most important.

3. What makes these things important. Do we all agree
What makes these things important? Do we all agree? If someone else did this activity would they have the same choices?

4. Introducing Historical Significance
What historical events have happened in your lifetime that you think will be significant to people in the future?
What made these events significant? List as many characteristics of a significant event as you can.
Recognized at the time as important
Brings about a big change (+ and -)
Not forgotten today, important for us now.

5. Causes of Confederation

6. American Expansionism
American Civil War = North fighting against the South regarding independence
Britain supported the South
North wins and USA remains united, but BNA is worried that the victorious army could march on BNA for revenge on Britain
“Manifest Destiny” All NA will be under USA control
USA purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867
Settlers, trade and the gold rush were crowding Canada’s borders
Confederation would protect West BNA from annexation

7. Fenian Raids on Canada
Irish Americans start to attack BNA to anger the British (Britain in control of Ireland)
Most attacks are on New Brunswick
Colonies are weak on their own
Expensive for Britain to protect BNA

8. Trouble with Trade
1854 Reciprocity Treaty = free trade with the USA in exchange for American access to fishing in the Grand Banks
Cancelled in 1865
BNA needs to look out for their own economic well being (maybe they should have more trade between themselves?)

9. Railways Grand Trunk Railway
Connects all colonies to international trade with Halifax’s ice-free port
Important for transport of troops
Would increase communication, trade and security amongst the colonies
Unification would encourage investors (esp. USA)

10. British Attitudes
Little Englanders think Canada is a burden (costing too much $$$)
Particularly military actions that were expensive
Britain is okay with Canada taking on some of the financial responsibility.

11. Political Deadlock Too many opinions so no progress was being made
Canada West demands “Rep by Pop” but Canada East resists
12 different governments in power in about a year so “Great Coalition” is formed and pushes for Confederation
All of these problems lead to little political progress because no changes can be made.
Need to compromise/work together

12. Judging Significance
Now decide which of the causes of confederation is the most historically significant
Use the criteria for significance to rank the causes #1-6 - #1 being the most important)
Don’t forget to justify your rankings and self-assess your graphic organizer
Then compose a paragraph defending your #1 choice – demonstrate your knowledge of the cause as well as the criteria for historical significance