Transcript Document 7187962

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.