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Factors Leading to
Canadian Confederation
Overview: 6 Factors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Threat of an American Takeover
Political Deadlock in Upper & Lower
Canada
The Trouble with Trade
Fenian Raids
The Need for Rail Links
Changing British Attitudes
Situation in the USA
From
1861 until 1865, the Americans had
been fighting in brutal a civil war.
A civil war is a war between people who
live in the same country.
In the American Civil War, the northern
states were fighting against the south.
The south was fighting to break away from
the rest of the USA, but the north did not
want this to happen.
U.S. Purchased Alaska
from Russia
American settlers,
railways were moving
close to the Red River
Settlement
Gold Rush brought
many Americans to the
colony of British
Colombia.
Manifest Destiny spreads her wings over
North America
Panic Attack!
When
the north won the civil war in 1865,
Canadians worried that they would send
their army into Canada as a way of getting
back at Britain
Many American newspapers and
politicians were discussing the takeover of
Canada at this time.
Many Americans believed in
Manifest Destiny, the belief
that one day the USA would
control all of North America.
Video Clip
Watch
the following clip from Canada: A
People’s History about the growing
concern from the American Civil War.
Your Turn…
Do
you believe that the threat of American
take over was a legitimate concern?
If you were a political leader in Upper or
Lower Canada in the 1860’s would you
have pushed for confederation to occur or
be happy with remaining a British colony?
Why or why not?
Political Deadlock
To
settle the dispute between the French
and English within Upper and Lower
Canada during the Rebellions of 1836-37,
the British Government decided that the
fairest way to establish a government was
to give each side equal representation.
Equal Representation Problem
I
need two volunteers to come to the front.
Each side is given a scenario that they
believe in and when the vote happens
both are to vote for what they believe.
What
is the outcome?
What problems does this outcome pose?
How could any laws be passed?
As
a result of equal representation, our
government became very ineffective.
Leaders such as Sir. John A. MacDonald
finally got annoyed and tried to establish a
new system of government by expanding
the colony and thus expanding the number
of votes available to hopefully pass laws.
The Trouble With Trade
British
North America had been enjoying a
special arrangement (“the corn law”) where
they could trade with Britain at reduced
prices and a low amount of tax.
Under the Corn Laws, Canadian products
such as wheat and flour could be imported
by Britain at cost that was lower than
growing it themselves.
America did not enjoy this preferential
treatment, and had to pay higher taxes to
trade with Britain
Corn Laws: Explained!
The corn laws were good for
Canada because they allowed
the country to export raw materials
overseas
The export of products makes
revenue (money) for Canada,
which increases the wealth and
economy of the nation.
Without the corn laws, Canada
would have to compete against
the rest of the world and pay the
same taxes as everyone else!
Fenian Raids
Irish in U.S who
fought against Britain
Figured if they
captured British
Colonies the British
would leave Ireland. –
Attacked Canada
several times.
What Effect Did the Raids Have?
1. Sir John A. argued a strong united
nation would be more able to resist
Fenians.
2.
Growing feeling of resentment towards
U.S – More reason to be united.
The Need for Rail Links
Very Important to have a railway for effective
trade.
“Grand Trunk Railway” – Project to connect
Canada West to Maritimes
Only way to finish it was to be united. Share
expenses.
Railway
is essential for:
Trade
Defense against U.S – easier
movement of troops
Confederation
No Money, No Train.
People realized that the track could only be
completed if expenses were shared between all
the colonies
This link was essential for the defense of Canada,
as troops could be moved quickly.
A railway link between the colonies
was
essential for trade and defense.
John A. MacDonald was
determined to see his dream
through…
A Change of Heart
In 1846, Britain suddenly
announced that it was no longer
giving Canada special
treatment.
Britain replaced the corn laws
with free trade, which meant
that Britain would allow goods to
enter the country without any
taxes/tariffs, making them
cheaper to buy & sell.
This made Canadians upset
and caused serious problems
with the economy of British
North America.
Bring on
Confederation!!
Your Task…
Option 1:
Create a visual timeline based on historical
research illustrating all the events leading to
Canadian Confederation.
Option 2:
Create an editorial written report based on
researched facts and opinions that clearly states
whether you believe the decision to pursue
Confederation was the right or wrong decision.