Confederation

1. Confederation Laying the Foundations of the New Country

2. Lesson 1

3. British North America • Before Confederation, British North America was divided into 5 separate colonies: • The Province of Canada (East and West) • Nova Scotia • New Brunswick • Newfoundland and Labrador • Prince Edward Island

5. Lord Durham Report • Came to Canada to find out why Upper and Lower Canada rebelled in 1837. • Made two major recommendations, one of which was to give Canada RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT a government that responds to its own people; not a foreign power or a king. • This meant the governor had less and less influence

6. Main Causes of Confederation • Political Deadlock • Economic Challenges • Pressures from the United States • Britain’s Desire to Reduce its Colonial Responsibilities

7. Political Deadlock • Too many small political parties in Canada. • Britain decided Canada East and West would have equal representation in the elected assembly of the Province of Canada, as CE’s population outnumbered CW’s. • CW feared unequal representation would result in the domination of French Catholics.

8. Political Deadlock • Led to political deadlock, government decisions could not be made because each side blocked the other from advancing any agenda. Nothing was getting done. • Short lived governments -The Province of Canada had four failed governments in four years. • Confederation would limit the number of political parties that could exist, and it would give the citizens a common goal to work toward.

9. Political Deadlock Language and cultural rights could be guaranteed under a federal system • As long as they were colonial acquisitions of Britain (or any other country), the provinces and territories of Canada would be subject to the whims of each successive government. • Only as their own country could Canadians ensure that they controlled their language and cultural rights. • At the time, this was meant to appease the French, but in today’s Canada, it could be seen as protecting the English culture and language as well.

10. Economic Challenges End of Free Trade with Britain • Rapid industrialization - Britain no longer gave trade privileges to BNA so the colonies were forced to find new markets to support their economies. Canadian wheat and flower became more expensive and exports dropped by 60% • This was very difficult since Britain controlled who Canada could and could not trade with. • Without a free trade agreement, taxes would have to be paid on goods traveling between colonies because each British colony HAD to charge fees that were then funneled into Britain

11. Economic Challenges End of Free Trade with Britain • The only solution for the BNA colonies would be to trade among themselves to improve the economy of Canada • If the colonies were united were united as one country, it would be easier to trade with one another • Countries do not like making deals with lots of little countries for the same product. They want to be able to get all they need in one place. • As long as Canada was a bunch of little colonies, they could not meet the needs of bigger markets. • It would be like Walmart buying from several “Mom and Pop” producers rather than from one large manufacturer.

12. Economic Challenges Big Public Projects – The Railway • If trade between colonies was a viable option, an effective system of rail transportation would have to be built to link east to west. NS, NB, and Province of Canada all had their own railroads, but were struggling to keep up with the costs and debt of them. • If they worked together to expand the railway as one entity, they could better finance it in the future together • A rail link between the colonies was essential for trade, communication & defense

13. Economic Challenges Big Public Projects – The Railway • Extending the railway would help to open the West to British immigrants, thus securing the land form American intrusion • Grand Trunk Railway: all British route linking Canada West with the Atlantic Ocean at Halifax • Very pricey project – no single colony could afford to invest, however a united BNA may attract investors and would provide a larger tax base from which to draw the money for production.

14. Economic Challenges End of Reciprocity Treaty with the USA • Reciprocity Treaty (1854) – An agreement between the BNA and the United States allowing free trade on certain goods such as timber, grain, coal, livestock, and fish without taxes or tariffs. • Spring 1865 – USA ended a ten year Reciprocity Treaty with the BNA colonies. • Now, trading with the USA would cost a lot in tariffs and import duties.

15. Economic Challenges End of Reciprocity Treaty with the USA • Americans believed that US could cripple BNA’s economy, forcing the British colonies into a union with the USA. • BNA lost its second guaranteed market, leaders realized economic fortunes tied to policies of other nations. • Realization made BNA leaders see benefits of closer economic and political cooperation with one another.

16. Pressures from the United States American Civil War • Between 1861 – 1865 the US was embroiled in a civil war between the Northern States & the Southern States • Britain and France claimed neutrality, Britain however showed support to the South. Needed cotton from the Southern States, depended on Southern cotton for the important textile industry in England. • The Northern States tried to “convince” England to withdraw their support by invading and harassing the closest British colony – Canada.

17. Pressures from the United States American Civil War • Union ships blockaded shipments of cotton from leaving the south, so Britain built blockade runner ships. Small, fast, and able to smuggle cotton out of the South to Britain. • Made Americans suspicious of Britain, as Britain did not stop the blockades ships. Caused increased American – British tensions. • War ended with a Northern victory in 1865

19. Pressures from the United States The Trent Affair • November 1861 – American warship stopped British mail ship Trent, which was heading back to Britain with two Confederate agents on board. • Travelling to Britain to ask for British support for the confederate cause. • Americas took two confederate agents prisoner, despite ship being in neutral waters. Britain threatened to retaliate if prisoners were not release. Abraham Lincoln released prisoners on Christmas Day in 1861.

20. Pressures from the United States The Trent Affair • Since Britain threatened to retaliate, some Americans wanted to get back at Britain by attacking BNA. • Britain dispatched 14 000 troops to BNA, took a long time to transfer troops without a railway. If America did attack, BNA would not have been able to defend itself due to having the troops arrive to slow.

21. Pressures from the United States St. Alban’s Raid • 1864 – Group of confederate soldiers attacked St. Alban’s in Vermont using Montreal as their base. • “Robbers of St. Albans” – Southern soldiers attacked and robbed this northern town and fled to Canada. They were tried in Montreal and set free and were even allowed to keep some of the money – U.S. ANGRY! • After the raid, soldiers escaped back across the border to avoid prosecution.

22. Pressures from the United States St. Alban’s Raid • Britain government authorities arrested, and later released the soldiers. US furious, threatened BNA if future attackers were not turned over to American authorities. • Many in British North America (BNA) worried that the victorious US Northern armies would take revenge against Britain by invading • Threat of attack from the US made the British colonies realize that, as separate entities, they had little or no means to defend themselves.

23. Pressures from the United States American Dream • The vision that it is possible, through working hard, that you will become a success. • 20 million immigrants followed the dream • Lost millions of people to the states, attracted to the American dream. • More people left Canada than came to Canada. Large families kept the population high. Needed to stop residents from leaving the country, and increase immigration. • American economy was better at the time.

24. Pressures from the United States Annexation Bill – July 1866 • Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled… that the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Canada, British Columbia, and Vancouver's Island…are constituted and admitted as States and Territories of the United States of America.

25. Pressures from the United States US Expansion – Manifest Destiny • Fear of American annexation during the Civil War was a major contributing factor to Canada becoming a nation. • BNA feared US retaliation due to the popularity of the doctrine of Manifest Destiny among Americans at the time… the belief that the US was destined by God (natural right) to control all of North America – fear of annexation.

26. Pressures from the United States US Expansion – Manifest Destiny • Separate, they faced an uncertain future that probably led to amalgamation in the United States, who had recently announced their policy of “Manifest Destiny” • Manifest Destiny end goal never reached, popularity of idea drew fear in BNA leaders and residents. • Manifest Destiny – the belief that expansion of the United States across North America was both obvious “manifest” and certain “destiny”.

28. U.S Expansion 1783 - 1853

29. Fenian Raids • 1859 – Group of Irishmen formed a brotherhood called the Fenians in the United States to promote the liberation of Ireland from British control. • Committed to Ireland’s independence from England. • Believed that if they could capture some of the BNA colonies, they could hold the colonies ransom in return for Ireland’s freedom and independence (trade Canada for Ireland).

30. Fenian Raids • 1866 – Made several attempts to raid BNA. • Sporadic raids were launched into Upper Canada & New Brunswick but failed without much support • The argument emerged that a united Canada would be better able to resist such invasions

32. Canada could take over Rupert’s Land from the Hudson Bay Company • The Industrial Revolution made farm work easier – fewer people were needed to farm the same plot of land. • People were still having large families. • The young people still wanted to be farmers, but now, all the land in Ontario and Quebec was taken.

33. Canada could take over Rupert’s Land from the Hudson Bay Company • Canada felt that if they could purchase Rupert’s Land, then they could prevent these young farmers from going to the States for open land. They could provide new land right here in Canada. • By putting more settlers into Canada’s West, the government could stop the Americans from “drifting” up into Canadian land and claiming it. • Feared US would take over the land if Canada did not.

34. Britain’s Desire to Reduce Colonial Responsibility • Growing desire from British authorities to have colonies assume a greater financial responsibility for their own defense to reduce the burden on British taxpayers. • Many people in England believed that the colonies were now a great burden to Britain rather than an asset • Reduced the need for financial and military support, as defense was very expensive. • “Special” trade deals could not be made any longer.

35. Britain’s Desire to Reduce Colonial Responsibility • Believed relationship with US might improve if BNA were more independent. Did not want to be the shield for BNA against US expansion and Fenian raids. • Promised low interest loans for the development of the railway to entice colonies to support Confederation. • The English felt it was time that the BNA colonies became independent & paid their own way

36. 6 Causes of Confederation • Colonial interests interfered with Britain’s desire to improve relations with the now powerful United States. • Political deadlock – it was believed Confederation would force resolution to political stalemates in the Assembly • Economic development – it was difficult to attract foreign investment to places that were too unstable. Confederation would promote stability. • Railways – it was difficult to build railroads across colonies and railroads had proven themselves to be a key for growth and prosperity. • Trade – Confederation would improve trade into bigger markets. • Defense – Britain was anxious to shift the cost of defense from themselves to the Canadas.

37. Lesson 2

38. Fathers of Confederation • There were many people involved in achievement of Confederation • We are going to look at 3of the 36 men who are known as “Fathers of Confederation” because of their dedication to the uniting of British North America.

39. Sir John A. Macdonald (Canada West) • Trained in law and business • Brought together various groups with a financial stake in the Province of Canada • He helped form the 1854 coalition with Upper Canadian reformers and French Canadians, creating the Liberal-Conservative Party • He was a leading delegate at all three Confederation conferences, and was knighted for his work towards union https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hhQYYeJ8Js

40. Sir John A. Macdonald (Canada West) • Macdonald was the driving force behind the idea of confederation. It was his skill as a diplomat and his eloquence as a speaker that overcame many of his opponents’ objections and united most Canadians with a common vision. • Generally regarded as the chief architect of Confederation, Macdonald wrote 50 of the 72 articles of confederation. • 1885 – Wanted to give women right to vote, got rejected.

41. Sir George Etienne-Cartier (Canada East) • Trained in law and business • Together with John A. Macdonald, he was co-premier of the Province of Canada. • During the 1837 Rebellion, fought in the battle of Saint-Denis • Presented a bill to the Union parliament to create the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada. • Another primary architect of Canadian Confederation

42. Sir George Etienne-Cartier (Canada East) • Cartier and Macdonald shared a common political view of Canada – as a strong central government with several weaker regional governments • He was a staunch advocate for French rights • Saw Canada as a land of great potential – free, equal, and independent.

44. George Brown (Reformer) • Founded the Globe newspaper in 1843 • As a reformer he reorganized the Clear Grit Party in 1857 • This party supported representation by population(Rep by Pop) (the more people are living in an area, the more representatives they get in the government)

45. George Brown (Reformer) • This party supported separation of church and state (He didn‘t want any church officials to have a say in what laws were to be made. He felt that church doctrines divided people too much) • In 1864, he proposed the Great Coalition to John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier, and went on to play a major role at the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences.

46. New Alliances • By 1861, large influx of immigrants into CW, having almost 300 000 more people than CE. • Due to these demographic changes, George Brown advocated for representation in the legislature to be according to population (Rep by Pop). Giving equal representation to each vote in the assembly. Democratic way to further own agendas. French Canadian leaders saw it as a way for CW to assimilate them.

47. New Alliances • George-Etienne Cartier (Canada East) and John A Macdonald (Canada West) began to work together to try to remain in control of the elected assembly of the Province of Canada. • Opposed Brown’s idea, did not believe rep by pop was the answer to Canada’s problems. • All agreed they needed changes needed to be made.

48. The Great Coalition • Canada West divided by two rival parties: Clear Grits (George Brown) and the Liberal Conservatives (John A. Macdonald). • Canada East divided by Parti Bleu (George-Etienne Cartier) and the Parti Rouge (Antoine-AimeDorion). • Canada West – Clear Grits – radicals who pushed for a more democratic government (George Brown) • Canada East – Rouges – radicals who were intent on preserving their way of life

49. The Great Coalition • 1858 – 62 – Macdonald and Cartier served as co-premiers of Canada. Did not help free union from political deadlock in the government. Macdonald and Cartier needed support from their biggest rival – George Brown. • Brown, Cartier, and Macdonald all believed there had to be a better way to structure Canada. 1864, men put aside personal feelings to form the Great Coalition. Single goal was to create a union of all the British North American Colonies. • Brown agreed to have his party support Macdonald to resolve political deadlock if his three demands were met.

50. Three Demands • A federation of all the British North American colonies • Would reconfigure the government and break the political deadlock • Representation by population, or rep by pop (at the time, both provinces of Canada East and Canada West had an even 42 seats each). • Work to the advantage of more numerous English Protestants in overpowering and assimilating the French Catholics • The incorporation of Rupert’s Land, the vast territory of land owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company. • Logical extension of Canada West.