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1838-1855. Planting the seed of nationhood. Outline. Lord Durham- Durham Report New Governor General The Act of Union Rebellion Losses Bill Responsible Government The Atlantic Provinces. Lord Durham. Radical Jack
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1838-1855 Planting the seed of nationhood
Outline • Lord Durham- Durham Report • New Governor General • The Act of Union • Rebellion Losses Bill • Responsible Government • The Atlantic Provinces
Lord Durham • Radical Jack • Sent by Great Britain to investigate the grievances that sparked the Rebellions • Stayed for 5 months • Composed the Durham Report
The Durham Report • Two recommendations • The two colonies of Upper and Lower Canada should become one colony called the United Province of Canada • The new united colony should have responsible government
1st Recommendation • Uniting the two colonies would make an English majority • A majority would be held in the Legislative Assembly • Ultimately to overwhelm and assimilate the French Canadians
2nd Recommendation • That colonies have authority over their own internal affairs • The Executive Council members would be chosen by the leader of the largest group in the Legislative Assembly rather than by the Governor • The Governor would not take sides, but would sign into law any bills recommended by the Executive Council
Although it sounded radical, Durham was simply suggesting that the colonies be given the same parliamentary rights available to the citizens of Great Britain
Investigative Conclusions • Upper Canada • Sourced the problem to an outdated colonial system and a haughty ruling elite • Lower Canada • Conflict was divided along linguistic and cultural lines
Solution? Unite the two colonies into a single unit, and give the English-speaking people control of the newly named colony.
Act of Union-1841 • Upper and Lower Canada are joined to become the United Province of Canada • It was hoped that the English-speaking members from both areas would unite and control the Legislative Assembly • by having the majority of votes
Rebellion Losses Bill-1849 • This was the first test of responsible government • The bill was to pay for property damaged in Canada East resulting from the Rebellion of 1837 • Canada West had already been compensated similarly
Opposition to the Bill • Tories (Family Compact + supporters) • Felt the Rebels were traitors • Governor Elgin lacked support • Nonetheless he was committed to the principle of responsible government and followed through with the wishes of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill passed.
Responsible Government Executive Council Legislative Assembly Canada West Canada East
The Atlantic Provinces • Nova Scotia • First colony to receive responsible government • 1847 • New Brunswick • 1854 • Newfoundland • Asked in 1846 • Granted 1855 • Prince Edward Island • 1851