8.1 Confederation Issues
What issues shaped confederation?
Vocabulary
political deadlock - the inability to decide on a course of action because of disagreement among equally powerful decision makers.
guarantee - promise with legal backing
secure - to get, to make sure of
constitution - the official set of rules about how a country is governed
annexation - takeover of a territory by another country
mercantilism - a regulated economic system that made a country rich from its colonies
tariff - an extra charge
A Class Confederation Conference
The first conference held to help establish Confederation was held:
In 1864
Charlottetown, PEI
Four Key Confederation Leaders
These four leaders formed an alliance to help promote the Confederation and encourage the other colonies of British North America to join the cause.
John A. Macdonald
Scottish born, John Alexander Macdonald arrived in Canada with his parents in 1820.
volunteered with men who defeated Makenzi's rebels in 1837
skilled lawyer
believed agreement was reach by accommodating others
wanted each provinces to have power over their own affairs
first prime minister
George-Étienne Cartier
born in Lower Canada
fought with the Patriotes in 1837
lived in Vermont after being exiled
although opposition to Macdonald during the rebellion, they worked together for Confederation
did not want a republic government
fought for French language and Catholic religion
died in 1872 - 5 years after Confederation
when he died, the House of Commons broke down in tears
George Brown
came to Canada West from Scotland
founder of the Globe newspaper; now known as the Globe and Mail
did not support Confederation at first
believed representation by population
would have given English-speaking Canadians a majority in the assembly
in 1864, he supported Confederation
died from an gunshot wound to the leg, after it became infected
Étienne-Paschal Taché
a patriote during Rebellions of 1837 and 1838
passionate advocate for confederation
believed your heritage can be protected as a province of Canada
instrumental in the establishment of the "Great Coalition"
died in 1865 before Confederation was finalized
Key Confederation Issues
The Problem of Political Deadlock
Based on the Act of the Union, political deadlocks became apparent.
Canada East - Francophone Canadiens
42 Seats
Canada West - Anglophone Canadians
42 Seats
How did the Act of the Union encourage
the development of political deadlock?
The Question of Rights For Canadians
wanted a guarantee to recognize and respect for the Canadiens
many saw Confederation could secure these rights
wanted their rights made as a law under the constitution
Partie rouge feared the federal government would overrule rights of Canada East
the English-speaking protestant minority of Canada East wanted to be guaranteed schools to serve their community
The Question of Independence for Regions
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island were British colonies
they governed themselves
feared losing independent character if they joined Canada East/West
small population
afraid it would cost them too much to pay for a new general government
The Risk of American Annexation
There was a fear the Americans would try and take over
Western Expansion
Fearing Americans would claim Rupert's Land, George Brown encouraged expanding west
Trade Challenges
British rule regulated mercantilism (fur trade - Britain controlled the price of the raw goods)
mercantilism guaranteed someone purchased the goods
1840's the end of British mercantilism
1846 Britain only purchased goods that were cheaper in North America
Reciprocity Treaty was signed in 1854 allowing British North America to sell goods resources at a competitive price in the United States
A tariff was added to goods sold in the United States, thus raising the cost
Assignment
Read page 247 and 248. Respond to the following question:
Some Canadians contrast Canadian identity with American identity, and point to the founding of the two countries as a source of difference. What events described in this article contrast with the violent start of the United States?
Page 247 - 248.pdf