Chapter 9: Confederation

1. Chapter 9: Confederation Vocabulary: Confederation Rep By Pop Federal Union Deadlock Coalition

2. Chapter 8 Review • Lord Durham made two recommendations • The British Government passed one in 1841 • Upper Canada became _________ and is now called ______________ • Lower Canada became _________ and is now called ______________ • Responsible government: • Members of the Executive Council (today called the Cabinet) are chosen from the group with the most elected members in the Legislative Assembly (rather than the governor) • If the Cabinet loses the confidence of most people in the Legislative Assembly, it must resign

3. Chapter 8 Review • The first test for responsible government was in 1849 – Rebellion Losses Bill • Tories opposed this bill, why? • Lord Elgin personally opposed to this, but was committed to responsible government (follow wishes of the majority)

4. Introduction Continued • British government became less interested in the colonies • Too expensive for them to run • Colonies now responsible for raising cash to develop • Why not unite all of the colonies to make them stronger and richer? CONFEDERATION

5. “Rep by Pop” Pg. 181 • Act of Union 1841 was not successful • The Canadiens (French) believed the English were trying to make them lose their cultural identity • The English Canadians accused the Canadiens of trying to run everything their way • Representation By Population • The number of elected members of the Legislative Assembly (the representatives) is based on the number of voters (based on the population) • Create a visual representation

6. “Rep by Pop” Pg. 181 • Reformers in Canada West • Led by George Brown and his Clear Grit party • Wanted “rep by pop” because their population was the largest • Reformers in Canada East • Led by George-Etienne Cartiers and Le Parti Bleus against “rep by pop” • In the past when their population was bigger, it was equal representation

7. “Rep by Pop” Pg. 181

8. “Political Deadlock” Pg. 181 • Disagreement in the Legislative Assembly • Equal number of representatives from Canada West and Canada East • Two groups voted against each other • No laws could be passed = deadlock

9. “Political Deadlock” Pg. 181 • George Brown (leader of the Clear Grits) • John A. Macdonald (leader of the Tories) • George Brown said he would work with Macdonald and Cartier (even though they were bitter enemies) • Together to form a federal union • A political union; certain powers to own affairs and certain powers to a central gov’t • Canada West and Canada East join • Coalition: a gov’t where the political parties work together • This agreement was called The Great Coalition (the Clear Grits, Tories, and Parti Bleus)

10. Reasons for Federal Union (Confederation) • In 1867, BNA colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (Canada East and Canada West) agreed to join together to form a nation • Responsibility to local affairs and federal affairs • Central government located in Ottawa, Canada

11. Reason #1: Political Deadlock and the Great Coalition • No laws could get passed in the Legislative Assembly because the politicians from Canada East and Canada West would not work together • Great Coalition formed • Goal was to unite the BNAcolonies into one country • Confederation

12. Reason #2: A Railway Was Needed • During the winter, boats could not transport goods in Canada because the water froze • Moving goods by horse was very slow and expensive • The colonies required a railway to be built so trade and communication between the BNA colonies could be easier • If Confederation, couldshare the costs

13. Reason #3: Trade with USA • In 1846, Britain stopped charging tariffs (a tax on paid goods brought into a country or colony) on goods coming to Britain • Previously, the colonies had no tariffs put on their goods; this increased competition • Whichever country sold them at the lowest price; no more special status with Britain • In 1854, USA and Britain signed the Reciprocity Treaty • Started free trade with USA (no tariffs) • In 1864, this ended and it became more expensive to trade • The BNA colonies began to trade with each other because it was less expensive; started to unite

14. Reason #4: Threat of American Expansion into BNA • In the 1860s, USA was fighting a civil war (North vs. South – against each other) • The North accused Britain of helping in the war • In 1866, Fenians, group of Irish people in the USA who hated Britain, attacked BNA • USA started expanding in the West • BNA colonies scared that USA wanted to control everything • If united, could protect themselves and prevent expansion

16. Manifest Destiny

17. Reason #5: Changing British Attitudes • Britain losing interest of the BNA colonies • Too expensive to maintain • If united, the BNA colonies could defend themselves against the USA without Britain’s help • Britain encourages them to unite • Important because people still very loyal to Britain and would support if Britain did too

18. Chapter 9: Confederation Vocabulary: Maritime Conference House of Commons Senate

19. Atlantic Colonies: 1854 – 1864 Pg. 186 • Read vocabulary terms on the worksheet • Atlantic Colonies: • Newfoundland • Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island • New Brunswick • These colonies were facing serious problems

20. Atlantic Colonies Problems: Cause & Effect • Little Industrial Development > Little Population Growth> Leave to look for work elsewhere • Trade> 1866 planning to end Reciprocity Treaty> 1846 Britain’s free trade meant less demand in Britain for goods from the Atlantic colonies> Need to develop new markets • Threat of American Expansion> Need to unite together

21. Maritime Union Pg. 189 • Conference scheduled for September 1864 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. to discuss possibly union of the Atlantic colonies • Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and New Brunswick meet on Sept 1, 1864 • Newfoundland not invited • Province of Canada took this opportunity to promote a federal union

22. Maritime Union Pg. 189 • George Brown promised • “that our farmers and manufacturers and mechanics shall carry their wares into every village of the Maritime Provinces and that they shall with equal freedom bring their fish, and their coal and their…produce to our three millions of inhabitants.” • By the end, decided to meet again in Quebec

23. Quebec Conference 1864 – Pg. 190 • All of the BNA colonies attended • Result was the list of the 72 Resolutions • A list of guidelines or rules that are to be followed as a basis for ruling a group of people

24. 72 Resolutions • Major Ideas: • A strong central government (federal government) would handle common affairs, economic development, and defence • Provinces would have limited powers (weaker than federal gov’t) to handle local affairs, social, and cultural issues • Federal Parliament composed of a lower house called the House of Commons and an upper house called the Senate • House of Commons elected by “rep by pop” • Senate appointed • Canada East, Canada West, Atlantic Canada considered a region (each with 24 members; protection for the small Atlantic colonies because few elected members in the House of Commons)

25. Canada West • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Solve the problem of political deadlock by creating a new province and a new legislative assembly • Need for a railway (trade + defense) • Better defense against American invasion • Easier to expand and claim territory • Would have a stronger voice in the federal gov’t • Arguments against of Confederation: • Little to gain by uniting with the Atlantic colonies • Including the Atlantic colonies would increase taxes for all • Decision: Strongest supporter of Confederation

27. Canada East • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Solve the problem of political deadlock by creating a new province and a new legislative assembly • Need for a railway (trade + defense) • New provincial gov’t would allow for the protection of French language + culture • Better defense against American invasion • Arguments against of Confederation: • House of Commons in the federal gov’t would mostly be English-speaking; threaten French • Including the Atlantic colonies would increase taxes for all • Decision: Parti Bleu convinced most that the new province, Quebec, would protect the Frecnch-speakers; also had support of the Church

29. New Brunswick • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Need for a railway (trade + protection) • Better defense against possible American invasion • Great Britain encouraged a political union • Arguments against Confederation: • New central gov’t would be “rep by pop”; NB’s small population would equal little power • Afraid they would lose their connection with Britain • Decision: In 1865, many against; by 1866 views changed because of Fenians and Britain’s encouragement; economic benefits of joining • Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley • Father of Confederation – convinced people of New Brunswick to join

31. Nova Scotia • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Need for a railway (trade + protection) – link to Halifax • Move goods into the larger markets of Ontario and Quebec • Arguments against Confederation: • New central gov’t would be “rep by pop”; NS’s small population would equal little power • Afraid the costs of the railway would be taxed onto the people who did not live close to it • Liked the idea of Atlantic union rather than union with the Canadas • Decision: In favour of the economic development • Joseph Howe against Confederation (small province + taxes) • Charles Tupper support – Father of Confederation

33. Prince Edward Island • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Little support • Arguments against Confederation: • New central gov’t would be “rep by pop”; PEI’s small population would equal little power • Afraid the costs of the railway would be taxed onto the people who did not live close to it (island!) • Other colonies refused to support idea to buy out the land from absentee landlords who owned most of the farmland • Decision: • PEI would only have five representatives in the new House of Commons and the railway would not benefit them, saw no advantages. • Would join later

34. Newfoundland • Arguments in support of Confederation: • Little support • Arguments against Confederation: • New central gov’t would be “rep by pop”; Nfld’s small population would equal little power • Afraid the costs of the railway would be taxed onto the people who did not live close to it (island!) • Many people happy with British control and were not interested in joining an Atlantic or federal union • Decision: • Little in common with the people of the United Canadas • No interest; would join later

36. CHAPTER 9 KEY CONCEPTS • Railway • Reciprocity Treaty + Free Trade • Threat of USA + Fenians • Changing British Attitudes • Atlantic Colonies + Maritime Union • Quebec Conference + 72 Resolutions • Colonies Debates • Confederation • Rep by Pop • George Brown/Clear Grit • J.A.M./Tories • A.A. Dorion/ Parti Rouge • George-Etienne Cartiers/ Parti Bleus • Political Deadlock + Great Coalition

37. London Conference • 16 delegates from the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick sailed to London to present the 72 Resolutions • Some changes were made: • New Brunswick got assurances for the intercontinental railway (railway between colonies) • Provincial government subsidies (loan of money that the government contributes for a given year’s budget)were increased • Dominion of Canada becomes a nation on July 1, 1867 • John A. Macdonald becomes the first Prime Minister of Canada

38. BNA Act • Created the Dominion of Canada July 1, 1867 • Stated the powers of the provincial and federal governments • Outlined the way in which the government would be structured and guaranteed protection for minority groups

39. BNA Act – See Pg. 196 • Aim: • To create a federal union (Confederation) of the colonies of BNA, associated with Great Britain • Federalism • Two levels of government • National or Federal (or central) and Provincial • Federal government handled matters affecting everyone • Provincial government handled matters only affecting the people it governs

40. BNA Act – See Pg. 196 • Form of Central Government • Legislative Branch (also called PARLIAMENT – the LAW-MAKING body) • SENATEappointed by the Governor General (representative of British gov’t) • Made and approved laws • 24 senators from Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic colonies • HOUSE OF COMMONS elected by people through rep by pop • Political party with the most MP’s will become the leading party and its leader will be the Prime Minister • Make and Debate laws

41. BNA Act – See Pg. 196 • Executive Branch • Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister (PM) • Propose laws and the PM influences/advises the Governor General • Judicial Branch • The law enforcing part of the gov’t • It interprets and carries out the constitution (written laws) • Punishes those who break the rules of the constitution • Made up of lawyers, judges, and the courts • Separate from the gov’t to prevent corruption

42. Division of Powers in the Constitution Act , 1867 • Constitution: rules that govern a country • Two types: • Written • Unwritten (the courts make decisions based on customs and traditions and previous court rulings) • Federal Government Powers: • Trade and commerce, Taxation, Postal Service, Military, Economy, Divorce, Criminal Law, Jails • Provincial Government Powers: • Taxation, Public lands, Provincial Jails, Hospitals and Asylums, Education, Local Affairs, Courts, Licenses • Some powers were shared between the two

43. First People and Minorities • Constitution Act, 1867 only had one direct reference to Aboriginal peoples • Section 91 (24) gave the Parliament of Canada exclusive authority over “Indians and lands reserved for the Indians” • Province of Canada: • Aboriginal land acquired by treaty • They were to settle on reserves • Government department created to manage them • Minorities would be assimilated

44. The Years After Confederation • Read Pg. 200-1 • Not everyone felt like cheering on July 1, 1867 • Nova Scotia • Second thoughts • “The free and intelligent Province of NS died last night at twelve o’clock” – Morning Chronicle • Pro-Confederation politicians were burned in effigy (an imitation, made of cloth, of a person who is disliked) • September elections: anti-Confederates won 36 of 38 seats • Anti-Confederates led by Joseph Howe • Went to Britain in 1866 to lobby (represent special interest to the gov’t) against the union of NS

45. The Years After Confederation • Separatist Movement • Nova Scotian members of Parliament, led by Howe, presented a motion in the House of Commons • It stated that NS should be released from Confederation • Rejected by the Conservative majority • Public discontent expressed by petitions and discussions in the provincial gov’t • Howe and members went to London again to ask

46. The Years After Confederation • Compromise • Howe returned to Nova Scotia from London and decided to compromise (an agreement in which each side gives up some of its demands) • Wanted to “accept the situation, repair the mischief, and make the best of a bad buisness” • Prime Minister MacDonald increased yearly grants by $20 000 and asked Howe to become a member of the Federal Cabinet • Howe left the anti-Confederation movement leaderless, so it died down

47. Cultural Groups in Canada • Germans • Arrived to the colony of Quebec as soldiers in the French army • After their military service ended, stayed in New France • Hans Bernard, first German settler, 1664 • Skilled farmers and Protestant

48. Cultural Groups in Canada • Germans • King George II of England wanted to bring German newcomers to NS, so he offered free land and supplies for one year • Must become British subjects and go to BNA • American Revolution: many soldiers in the British army were German mercenaries • Many Loyalists after the AR were German • Settled around Lake Ontario and Lake Huron, St. Lawrence River • By 1867, 200 000 German speaking people in Canada

49. Cultural Groups in Canada • Ukrainians • First were mercenary soldiers who came to fight in the War of 1812 • Andrew Yankovsky and Peter Komdrovsky were among the Selkirk Settlers who settled in the Red River area in 1812 • In 1874, Mennonites settled in Manitoba • In the 1880s, many left US and went to Winnepeg

50. Cultural Groups in Canada • Blacks • By 1850, 40 000 in UC; roughly 1000 taken to Quebec as slaves under French rule • Any slave that joined the army were granted freedom • After the AR, 3500 black Loyalists, all achieving freedom, moved to NS (and later NC) • No land or the right to vote (many thought they would) • In 1793 only banished in UC • In 1834, new law stopped slavery • 30 000 came to Canada by the Underground Railroad