Introduction to Confederation
From 1860 to 1866 a political discussion had been thought over of Reasons why and why not the United Province of Canada should have confederation. There were six reasons in total of why Canada East and Canada West, and the colonies of British North America should join together to form one big country. Canada West and Canada East joined together in 1841, but that wasn’t enough to have a strong enough government for the British North American colonies. Confederation is an alliance between a group of people or a colony that unite with others permanently for common problems and purposes. Confederation would allow each colony (party) to have their own provincial government with their own avocations like; language, religion and educational necessities they need. They federal union is a political union with the government separated into two levels, federal union is the same thing as Confederation. The co-operation was called the Great Coalition. People wanted to build a country that could abide affixed the USA and would stay loyal to Britain. Confederation was formed July 1st 1867,the United Province of Canada was then divided up into four new provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the rest of the provinces and territories became a part of Canada later on. Manitoba and North-West Territories joined July 15th 1870, British Columbia joined July 20th 1871, PEI joined July 1st 1873, Yukon joined June 13th 1898, Saskatchewan and Alberta joined April 1st 1999. That is how all of the provinces of Canada became one big country, it was the territorial and natural way of Canada evolution.
Reasons for Confederation
Reason One: There was a political deadlock in the colonies that created the Great Coalition in the Province of Canada. Canada West and Canada East joined together in 1841. Politicians wondered if the Atlantic colonies; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland Labrador would become a part of confederation. Politicians wanted to form a federal union in order to break the political deadlock, members of the Great Coalition would have to work together if they ever wanted to overcome this problem. They needed a stronger government if they wanted to pass laws to make improvements like building railways on their settlements (land.)
Reason Two: In the 1860’s the colonies (Canada West, Canada East, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,) all had their own railways, but the railways were unable to join the colony together. A benefit to the British North American colonies was the Gaspe Mountains that divided the Canadian colonies from the American ones. Water transportation is cut off in the winter because the St. Lawrence and (any other rivers) freeze. intercolonial railways would make transportation easier and increase trade deliveries (war declared by USA.) Also during a war it would be easier to transport troops from one colony to another using a railway.
Reason Three: There was trade among the colonies of British North America and the American Colonies that started in 1854. Finally the Reciprocity Treaty was ended by the USA in 1865. The prices were low for trade of raw materials and agriculture products, and the trade links were more colossal with the USA than with their own colonies. Since prices were low, the trade between the colonies the USA did not benefit very much from it so therefore leading to cancellation. The British North American colonies thought of becoming one big province to be able to trade to each other without a cost, they hoped that way they would have more fortune.
Reason Four: In the 1860’s the Americans were threatening to expand into the British North American colonies, invasion was soon to come, since conflict between the American and British North American colonies was common. That same year the American Civil War started between the northern and northern states. The southern states used Canadian territory as there hideout, as they attempted to invade the northern states and attack. In 1865 the Civil War ended and the northern states accused the British North American colonies for helping the Southern raiders that were escaping the Northern army(s). The British government seconded the Southern conflict. The Americans believed in Manifest Destiny and moved towards the west after the Civil War, they took over previously owned land by Spain, Mexico, France and Great Britain. The British colonies wondered if the Americans would try to buy their land off them or bribe them in order to take over, which they had done before in 1812. In 1866 the Americans invaded British colonies to end their rule over Ireland, since the Americans couldn’t raid Britain itself instead they attacked her colonies. They thought that defending themselves would be easier if the colonies joined together.
Reason Five: In the 1860’s Great Britain’s feelings for her colonies was different then on. Great Britain wanted her colonies to be more self-reliant and self-sufficient. Politicians wanted to keep the colonies because due to Corn Laws passed in 1846 the politicians of mercantilism were no longer working, they wanted to keep the colonies separate so they would have to purchase their own government and defence. The British had the opportunity to emigrate if the colonies were kept. The people of Britain could stay British citizens if they moved to a British colony. Britain would be supplied with soldiers and military bases in case of a war. The people would favourite Great Britain more if Great Britain wanted confederation because they were very loyal to her. British governments told the British North American colonies to embrace and console confederation, co-operating in confederation would allow the citizens to share the costs of government, railway building and defence against the Americans. Arguments about Great Britain keeping their colonies were a problem and were commonly brought up in conversations. Keeping colonies was very important, but Confederation was the best way to make British North American colonies more self-reliant and sufficient.
Reason Six: Some people, most of Canada West were looking to expand their lands westward into Rupert’s Land and the North-West Territories. But the Americans had wanting to expand west as well and take over the west parts of the United Province (which present day would be Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.) They would have to buy Rupert’s Land off of Hudson’s Bay Company, it would be a better business opportunity. The lands would be pen for farming and it would cause stronger defence. The Canada West people were quite eager to join with the British North American colonies. If the colonies did join together they could annex the western lands and settle there before the Americans.
Reason Two: In the 1860’s the colonies (Canada West, Canada East, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,) all had their own railways, but the railways were unable to join the colony together. A benefit to the British North American colonies was the Gaspe Mountains that divided the Canadian colonies from the American ones. Water transportation is cut off in the winter because the St. Lawrence and (any other rivers) freeze. intercolonial railways would make transportation easier and increase trade deliveries (war declared by USA.) Also during a war it would be easier to transport troops from one colony to another using a railway.
Reason Three: There was trade among the colonies of British North America and the American Colonies that started in 1854. Finally the Reciprocity Treaty was ended by the USA in 1865. The prices were low for trade of raw materials and agriculture products, and the trade links were more colossal with the USA than with their own colonies. Since prices were low, the trade between the colonies the USA did not benefit very much from it so therefore leading to cancellation. The British North American colonies thought of becoming one big province to be able to trade to each other without a cost, they hoped that way they would have more fortune.
Reason Four: In the 1860’s the Americans were threatening to expand into the British North American colonies, invasion was soon to come, since conflict between the American and British North American colonies was common. That same year the American Civil War started between the northern and northern states. The southern states used Canadian territory as there hideout, as they attempted to invade the northern states and attack. In 1865 the Civil War ended and the northern states accused the British North American colonies for helping the Southern raiders that were escaping the Northern army(s). The British government seconded the Southern conflict. The Americans believed in Manifest Destiny and moved towards the west after the Civil War, they took over previously owned land by Spain, Mexico, France and Great Britain. The British colonies wondered if the Americans would try to buy their land off them or bribe them in order to take over, which they had done before in 1812. In 1866 the Americans invaded British colonies to end their rule over Ireland, since the Americans couldn’t raid Britain itself instead they attacked her colonies. They thought that defending themselves would be easier if the colonies joined together.
Reason Five: In the 1860’s Great Britain’s feelings for her colonies was different then on. Great Britain wanted her colonies to be more self-reliant and self-sufficient. Politicians wanted to keep the colonies because due to Corn Laws passed in 1846 the politicians of mercantilism were no longer working, they wanted to keep the colonies separate so they would have to purchase their own government and defence. The British had the opportunity to emigrate if the colonies were kept. The people of Britain could stay British citizens if they moved to a British colony. Britain would be supplied with soldiers and military bases in case of a war. The people would favourite Great Britain more if Great Britain wanted confederation because they were very loyal to her. British governments told the British North American colonies to embrace and console confederation, co-operating in confederation would allow the citizens to share the costs of government, railway building and defence against the Americans. Arguments about Great Britain keeping their colonies were a problem and were commonly brought up in conversations. Keeping colonies was very important, but Confederation was the best way to make British North American colonies more self-reliant and sufficient.
Reason Six: Some people, most of Canada West were looking to expand their lands westward into Rupert’s Land and the North-West Territories. But the Americans had wanting to expand west as well and take over the west parts of the United Province (which present day would be Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.) They would have to buy Rupert’s Land off of Hudson’s Bay Company, it would be a better business opportunity. The lands would be pen for farming and it would cause stronger defence. The Canada West people were quite eager to join with the British North American colonies. If the colonies did join together they could annex the western lands and settle there before the Americans.
The Colony of the United Province of Canada
In June of 1864 politicians joined together to form the United Province of Canada, the Great Coalition politicians created federal union. United Province of Canada then was made up of two colonies; Canada East and Canada West also known as Upper Canada (Quebec) and Lower Canada (Ontario.) They were looking for more eastern and western British North American colonies to join there federal union. Canada Wes people worried that Americans would put heavy tariffs on products going to the US, which would decrease trade. John A. Macdonald leader of the Liberal-Conservative (tory) party and George Brown leader of the Reform Party (clear grit) are both the main political leaders of Canada West. The main political leaders of Canada East are George Etinne Cartier leader of le parti bleu (conservative) and Antoine-Aime Dorion leader of the le parti rouge (reformers). Then there is the Irish Catholic (conservative) cabinet member Thomas D’Arcy McGee who is also a part of Canada East, they were working on ways to improve the colony. The British markets are low, farmers and business people need markets for prosper. There is talk about Americas invading the British North American colonies and that they are trying to convince the Red River and Vancouver Island colonies to join the US there are also rumours about the US ending the Reciprocity Treaty. Since each colony is individual they won’t be able to defend themselves as well, if the colonies join together in a federal union, there market sales, defence and overall economy won’t suffer. They will be able to become one big United Province (present day the country of Canada.)
The Colony of New Brunswick
The Colony of New Brunswick has a very small population, because it is a very small colony. Newbrunswickers were told by the British Governor to unite with the British North American colonies for confederation. The people did not want to join confederation because they were worried that they would be overruled by the bigger colonies and would not be heard. Most Newbrunswickers didn’t want a union of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and themselves, which was also known as a Maritime union, therefore they were very enthusiastic. The economy is doing very well in New Brunswick, the people thought that confederation is bad for the economy because Canada West and Canada East are so far away. The people of New Brunswick have no interest in their west ward expansion, they think that they should deal with the smaller problems within their own home before they worry about the other colonies issues. They do not want confederation where the government is chosen by ‘Rep by Pop” which is, the union where the Canada East and West representatives had the same amount of seats in the Legislative Assembly. Some decisions couldn’t me made because the Canada East (mostly French speaking people) would vote for one decision and the Canada West (mostly English speaking people) would vote for the opposite decision. It created problems over time for many representatives. Samuel Leonard Tilley- the main political leader of New Brunswick, wanted to have railways joining the Atlantic Colonies ( Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, themselves) and the United Province of Canada.
The Colony of Nova Scotia
There are many things that needed to be improved in the colony of Nova Scotia. In the winter it was very hard to transport things because of the surrounding water freezing around it they are unable to transport goods between colonies. The Gaspe mountians, northern Maine and ice separate the colonies in the winter. To travel by water it is very slow, as well the St. Lawrence freezes. Only the ocean ports are open in the winter but Halifax stays open yearly. The people of Nova Scotia wanted Halifax linked to the United Province by a railway, railways would have improved transportation for all seasons. It would also help the industrial movement and the goods produced could also be sold in different colonies. The colony of Nova Scotia also faces many problems such as there are fewer immigrants coming to the colony and many people are leaving the colony because they seek work elsewhere. Rumours have been heard that the Americans will end the Reciprocity Treaty, which is the free trade between the American and the British North American colonies. Nova Scotians also fear that the Americans will put tariffs on products that compete with there’s. They think that the Americans will decline there trade because of the government problems that are going on between the American and the British North American colonies. The economy will suffer if this ever happens, people think that new markets should join with the British North American colonies. Canada East has very good markets if the Atlantic and British North American colonies join together, the tariffs would be removed and the economic prosperity would return. Nova Scotia had discussed joining colonies before but they were concerned about American expansion. The main political lweaders of the colony; Joseph Howe (liberal) and Charles Tupper (conservative) have placed many British soldiers and sailors are stationed at fortress of Halifax, that way Nova Scotia feels better protected. Many people would cooperate because they are loyal to the British Empire so, they are not interested in joining the British North American colonies unless Great Britain says so.
The Colony of Prince Edward Island
The colony of PEI was formed in the 1860’s, before confederation it had a population of approximately 87,000 people settled there. The Absteene landlords would take tenants but wouldn’t use them to improve the colony. The colony of PEI had no interest in building a railway to Nova Scotia, the railway wouldn’t be able to go through PEI anyways. It was a small island with lots of farming and good soil. They thought there was no need to join with other colonies because they were fine on their own. They had no concern of the Americans being enemies because it was harder to get to than most colonies. If war was ever a problem for the colony they thought that the British would protect them. Their government was unstable but Confederation was never a consideration because different governments were always coming into power, they thought that since they have a small population that means fewer candidates for confederation. Their influence on decisions for confederation was small because they are very isolated from other colonies. They were very proud to be a part of the British Empire, no reasons were good enough for them to join other British North American colonies. There were benefits to join Maritime union, favouring the joining of confederation was the political leader of the colony John Hamilton (conservative.)
Sir John A. Macdonald
Sir John Alexander Macdonald was born January 11th 1815 , he was the first Prime Minister of Canada . In canadian confederation he had a political career which lasted almost half a century. He gained a legislative seat in 1844, he served in the legislature United Province of Canada and by 1857 had the premire in the colonys political system. In 1864 none of there parties proved their capability of govnering, John agreed to a proposal from his political rival George Brown, that the parties join in a Great Coalition. John was the leading political figure which lead to confederation and Canada as a country itself July 1st 1867. He was then assigned as the first Prime Minister of the new nation, he was credited with creating a Canadian Confederation although there wer many challenges, and expanding what was once several small colonies into one country (Canada.) When he deceassed on June 6th 1891, he is still known and remembered as one of the great politicians that
Sir George-Eitenne Cartier
Sir George-Etinne Cartier born September 6th 1814, was a French-Canadian and one of the many fathers of confederation. Canada Easts joining of Confederation was one of Geaorge's most valuable contributions to his country The years before confederation, George was a domain figure in Canada East politics, as leader of 'le Parti Bleu'. Cartier had many reasons for favouring Confederation, especially the threat of American expansion. The United States were becoming more of a threat to Canada, in 1864 George leader of the Clear Grits in Canada West (present day Ontario) proposed an alliance with the Conservatives, Sir John A. Macdonald. In 1867, a series of discussions and conferences took place which lead to the alliance also known as the Great Coalition, followed by the creation of Confederation. George Cartier died on May 20, 1873 but is still known for his remarkable work to help encourage confederation to create present day Canada.
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Glossary
Emigrate: To leave a country or region to settle in another; migrate
Great Coalition: Was a grand coalition of the political parties of Canada East and Canada West in 1864
Manifest Destiny: Was the belief held by the Americans in the 19th century that the USA was destined to expand across the continent
Intercolonial: Between two countries, as of one country or penetrating to two or more colonies
Tariffs: An official list or table showing the duties or customs, imposed by the government, any table of charges; a bill, cost, or charge such as on railroad, bus line, etc on any imports or exports.
Maritime union: A proposed political union of the three maritime provinces of Canada; Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick to form a single new province
Tenants: A person or group that rents and occupies land, a house, an office, a person who holds or possesses for a time lands or personality of another, usually for rent an occupant or inhabitant of any place.
Great Coalition: Was a grand coalition of the political parties of Canada East and Canada West in 1864
Manifest Destiny: Was the belief held by the Americans in the 19th century that the USA was destined to expand across the continent
Intercolonial: Between two countries, as of one country or penetrating to two or more colonies
Tariffs: An official list or table showing the duties or customs, imposed by the government, any table of charges; a bill, cost, or charge such as on railroad, bus line, etc on any imports or exports.
Maritime union: A proposed political union of the three maritime provinces of Canada; Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick to form a single new province
Tenants: A person or group that rents and occupies land, a house, an office, a person who holds or possesses for a time lands or personality of another, usually for rent an occupant or inhabitant of any place.