Factors Influencing Canadian Confederation: Security, Trade, and Political Dynamics
This project explores key factors that led to Canadian Confederation, emphasizing security concerns, trade relationships, and political challenges. The influence of events like the Fenian raids and the U.S. Civil War raised fears for colony security. Additionally, changes in trade agreements with Britain and the U.S. pushed colonies to seek new partnerships. Political deadlock in divided regions highlighted the need for a new federal structure to unite Canada. By understanding these factors, we gain insights into why the colonies opted for Confederation and the implications for Canada’s future.
Factors Influencing Canadian Confederation: Security, Trade, and Political Dynamics
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Presentation Transcript
Why bother? Factors for Confederation
Shape of the Class • Admin • Current events • Why bother? • Group research • Factors for Confederation • Wrap-up
“Elbow room” • What might this mean for Canada?
Group work • Move into your colony groups • You will receive a slip of paper with a factor that influenced the colonies in favour of Confederation • Using your text, explain what your factor is, how it influenced life for people in the colonies and why it would make them want to join together
Security • Fenian raids • Irish American “freedom fighters” • Furious with the British • Attacked the nearest British colony • U.S.Civil War • Britain traded with the southern states • Didn’t make the north very happy
Security • Manifest Destiny • The view held that America had the right to control all of North America • Gold Rush in BC • Americans came in huge numbers
Age of Rail • Train were the way of the future in the Victorian era • But they were expensive to build and maintain
Intercontinental railway • Would link coast to coast, providing a buffer against American settlement • Would encourage westward expansion • Link the Maritimes to central Canada’s manufacturing
Trade (with Britain) • Corn Laws • Preferential treatment for Britain and colonies • No tariffs on cereal grains • Repealed in 1846 • U.S. is able to cut in and trade for much cheaper • The colonies need to find additional trade partners
Trade (with the U.S.) • Reciprocity Agreement • 10 year free trade deal signed in 1854 • The U.S. declines to re-sign or extend in 1865 • The colonies are then forced to look for new trade partners again • Who else could they trade with?
Changing British Attitudes • Britain is less and less interested in in defending, supporting and propping up the colonies • Colonies must fend for themselves
Political deadlock • A new federal government using rep by pop would break the deadlock in Canada East and West • Is this a factor “for” or “against” confederation? • For who?
