Overview
This lecture explains the main reasons for Canadian Confederation in the 1860s, focusing on economic struggles, security concerns, infrastructure needs, and political deadlock in the British North American colonies.
Economic Challenges in the 1860s
- Trade between colonies was difficult due to tariffs and lack of agreements.
- Britain ended its reciprocity treaty with the US, reducing trade opportunities.
- Loss of US market threatened colony economies.
- Confederation promised a single internal market and free trade among colonies.
- Shared resources and financial stability motivated leaders to support union.
Fear of Invasion
- The US, after its Civil War, posed a possible threat to British North America.
- Manifest Destiny fueled American expansionist ideas.
- Small colonies lacked military strength to defend themselves individually.
- Confederation allowed pooling of military resources for stronger defense.
- National infrastructure like railways would help move troops and supplies quickly.
Need for Better Transportation and Communication
- Travel and communication between colonies were slow and unreliable.
- No railways connected colonies; travel was often by boat or poor roads.
- Poor connections hindered economic growth and cooperation.
- Confederation enabled major projects like the intercolonial railway.
- Improved transport would encourage settlement in western territories.
Political Challenges and Representation
- Canada East and Canada West had political deadlock due to evenly split French and English representation.
- Frequent disagreements made lawmaking difficult.
- Confederation created a federal system with fair regional representation.
- Provinces managed local issues; federal government handled national affairs.
- The new government structure aimed to balance diverse interests.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Confederation — The union of British North American colonies to form a single country, Canada.
- Manifest Destiny — The belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America.
- Reciprocity Treaty — An agreement for free trade between British North America and the US.
- Political Deadlock — Inability to make decisions due to equal opposition.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review main reasons for Confederation for exam preparation.
- Study examples of economic, military, and political challenges faced by the colonies.