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Explore the key events and factors that led to the union of Canada East and Canada West into the Province of Canada, examining political deadlocks, language and religion protections, external influences like the American Civil War and Fenian Raids, economic challenges, and the significance of railroads in connecting the provinces. Learn about influential leaders like George-Étienne Cartier, George Brown, and John A. MacDonald in shaping Canada's path to confederation.
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Confederation Pages 170-193
Canada East – Formerly Lower Canada - Francophone Canada West – Formerly Upper Canada - Anglophone These two places made up what was known as the Province of Canada Important Confederation Details
This was designed to join these two provinces • However, it created a political deadlock • (*one major cause of Confederation*) • This is the inability to reach a decision because of disagreement between equally powerful decision makers. (French-English conflict which often lead to short-lived governments- see p. 180 The “Great Coalition”) • Each province had 42 seats in government which created the deadlock Act of the Union- 1840-41
Read page 172 for background info on each Confederation Leaders- The “Great coalition” • George-Étienne Cartier • George Brown • John A. MacDonald
The Canadiens wanted their language and religion to remain protected Joining Confederation was seen as a chance to protect their rights by some and others saw confederation as a bad decision (joining Canada West and East) What they wanted
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island were British colonies, but they governed themselves They thought they would lose their independence by joining Canada East and West They also thought becoming part of a new country would be expensive Would the Canada’s try to convince them to join into Confederation? The question of independence
US Civil War- South (Southern Confederate States of America) vs. North (Union States). Largely over slavery & control for economic and political. Britain claimed to be neutral, however its textile industry relied on cotton from the South…. BNA was worried that the North would retaliate against us for our trade with the South…. Trent Affair and St. Alban’s Raid- read p. 175 *---both held consequences/threat of possible American attack –which made BNA realize that, as separate entities, they had little to no means to defend themselves.* Causes of confederation p. 179- External causesAmerican Civil war, Fenian Raids and Annexation
Annexation – takeover of a territory by another country • BNA, and later Canada, worried about American Annexation. • Manifest Destiny- belief that the US was destined by God, to control all of NA. • George Brown wanted to expand further west into Rupert’s Land, but worried that America might try to claim Rupert’s Land Causes of confederation p. 179- External causesAmerican expansion/Annexation-Manifest destiny
Fenian Raids • 1859-a ‘brotherhood’ of Irishmen in the USA • Promoted the liberation of Ireland from British Control. • Believed that if they could capture some of BNA they could use it for ransom in return for Irelands freedom. 1866 there were many raids. Ex: NB, Niagra River, and almost into MB. *The Fenian raids helped promote a desire for a union among the BNA colonies, which began to believe they need a united defence.* Causes of confederation p. 179- External causesAmerican Civil war, Fenian Raids and Annexation
Many people made their leaving from the lumber industry Until 1840 Britain was still under the rules of Mercantilism Britain was getting rich from the work and resources of the colonies Causes of Confederation:Economic ChallengesTrade b/w BNA and the United States
In the mid 1840’s Britain attempted to end Mercantilism giving BNA more independence in trade 1854- Reciprocity Treaty - a special trading relationship with the US allowed BNA to sell their goods to US at a good price. 1866 US cancelled it. (in hopes to cripple BNA economy so they would join with the USA) The US put tariffs on BNA goods – an extra charge added to items *BNA leaders realized that economic connections were imperative for survival….thus seeing the benefits of closer economic and political cooperation with one another in BNA!* Causes of Confederation:Economic ChallengesTrade b/w BNA and the United States
Railroads became an important part of Confederation – because they were open all year, unlike rivers • Linking the West (raw goods) to the East (manufacturing hub) • Open up new settlement opportunities and establish a stronger British presence in the West • *NS, NB and the Province of Canada all had their own at the time but costs were staggering and each were struggling to cope with the debt …if there were to expand they would need to work together (UNITE!)* The Railroad
Think of a heavy snowfall that leaves your yard full of snow. Do you attempt to dig out the whole yard or do you on clear a path to important things? Garage, car, front door etc…… This is how things were with the formation of the railroad in BNA. Brainstorm Question: *Why do you think that it is or isn’t important for a country to be connected?* Why Are Railroads and Connections Important?
The BNA Act was written by John A. Macdonald and George-Etienne Cartier This created division of power b/w federal (govern all of Canada) and provincial (only govern one province) powers BNA Act made Federal and Provincial Government divisions This created the Dominion of Canada British north America act-July 1 1867
The Maritimes had strong economic connections with Britain They had very little connection with Canada East and West The people of Nova Scotia did not want to join Confederation The leader of Nova Scotia, Charles Tupper, decided to join Confederation against the voters will Why didn’t the Maritimes join confederation
What was Nova Scotia offered to join Confederation? They were promised money for roads, bridges and railway connections to connect the Maritimes with Canada East and West This was called theIntercolonial Railway Railroads are N.B. because: transport people transport goods connect the country
During the Confederation process BNA did not work with FN at all Their idea of citizenship excluded FN BNA passed the Gradual Enfranchisement Act in 1857 This required FN to give up their ways of life before they could become citizens with the right to vote FIRST NATION’S AT CONFEDERATION
In 1867, the British North America act established Confederation FN were made the responsibility of Canada’s Federal Gov’t Until 1960, Canada’s gov’t did not allow people with legal status as “Indians” to vote – only people who gave up their status could vote Read “First Nations Join Confederation” on pg 255
Dominion of Canada Included: Canada East, Canada West, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick PEI and Newfoundland did not join the Confederation They were worried about increased taxes See some Key Points of BNA Act on pg 185
Canada became a country in 1867 it was called the Dominion of Canada The main goal was to create a government which gave each region the right to make its own decisions. – Democracy – Provincial style government Canada Day is July 1st of every year In 1867 Canada only consisted of four provinces Ontario – formerly named Canada West Quebec – formerly named Canada East Nova Scotia New Brunswick Canada at confederation
Hey .I'm not a lumberjack, or a fur trader, and I don't live in an igloo or eat blubber, or own a dog sled, and I don't know Jimmy, Sally or Suzy from Canada, although I'm certain they're really, really nice. I have a Prime Minister, not a President. I speak English and French, not American, and I pronounce it 'about', not 'a boot'. I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack. I believe in peacekeeping, not policing; diversity, not assimilation; and that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal. A tuque is a hat, a chesterfield is a couch, and it is pronounced zed: not zee – zed!! Canada is the second largest land mass! The first nation of hockey! And the best part of North America! My name is Joe!! And I am Canadian!... Thank you. I am Canadian speech
I am Canadian Video Link
If you had to make a speech about Canada what would you include? How would you want us to be seen and viewed by other countries? In your opinion what makes us such a great country to live in? It is now your turn to write a short speech – “I am Canadian” Your turn
The Confederation Rap Video Link
Watch ELIJAH Read page 255
British Columbia, PEI and Newfoundland- Colonies had British settlements Colonies had governments elected by colonists- Democratic The colonies joined Canada by becoming provinces – this was decided upon by the colonists They had their own provincial government to make their own decisions Colonies and provinces
Territories had very few British settlers • Territories had governments appointed by British officials – Colonial • The territories were transferred to Canada through an agreement b/w Britain and Canada • The Canadian government controlled the territories – without having elected assemblies • Manitoba refused to transferred to Canada as a territory • Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces as population of settlers in territories grew territories
BC joined Canada as a province in 1871 BC was a British settlement explored by George Vancouver The economy was mostly reliant on the fur trade The gold rush in 1857 hurt BC’s economy as it did not last long BC had a great deal of debt They were encouraged to join confederation – Canada agreed to pay off their loans and build a railroad linking BC to the other provinces in the East bc
PEI joined Canada as a province in 1873 • The colony of PEI had economic trouble • Many farmers on the island did not own their own farms – they were owned by people who lived in Britain • Canada wanted PEI to join confederation, rather than joining the US • Canada agreed to pay for PEI’s railroad, purchase the islands farmland from Britain and provide year round ferry service to the mainland PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Nfld joined confederation in 1949 • Nfld was a colony of Britain which had its own gov’t that the colonists elected • Nfld had a strong economy based on trade in fish and timber • The Great Depression in the 1930’s hurt Nfld’s economy • In 1934 Britain took direct control of Nfld – this lasted until the end of WW II – 1945 • Britain then told Nfld they would no longer help them in the future • In 1948 they voted to join Canada • The Canadian government would pay most of Nfld’s debts, provide money to help the economy, and provide ferry service NEWFOUNDLAND