Economic Pressures for Union
Explore the end of Reciprocity with the US and the need for new markets and an intercolonial railway.
Key Questions
- Analyze how the termination of the Reciprocity Treaty impacted colonial economies.
- Explain the economic benefits anticipated from an intercolonial railway.
- Evaluate the extent to which economic factors drove the push for Confederation.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
The path to Confederation was paved through three key conferences: Charlottetown, Quebec, and London. This topic traces the intense negotiations where the 'Fathers of Confederation' hammered out the details of the new nation. Students will learn how a meeting intended to discuss a Maritime union in Charlottetown was 'crashed' by the Canadians and transformed into a larger vision for a federal union. They will then examine the 72 Resolutions drafted in Quebec, which formed the blueprint for the British North America Act.
The curriculum focuses on the art of compromise and the diverse interests of the different colonies. Students will see how the delegates balanced the need for a strong central government with the desire of provinces to maintain control over local matters. This topic is best taught through a simulation of the conferences where students represent different colonial interests.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: The Quebec Conference
Students are assigned to represent Canada West, Canada East, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or PEI. They must debate key issues like the division of powers and the number of seats in the Senate to create their own 'Resolutions.'
Gallery Walk: The 72 Resolutions
Stations feature different resolutions from the Quebec Conference. Students rotate to identify which resolutions were 'wins' for the federal government and which were 'wins' for the provinces.
Think-Pair-Share: The Charlottetown 'Crashers'
Students discuss why the delegates from the Province of Canada were so eager to join the Charlottetown meeting. They share what 'carrots' (incentives) the Canadians might have offered the Maritimers.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionConfederation was a simple, easy process.
What to Teach Instead
It involved years of difficult negotiations and many people were strongly opposed to it. A 'roadblocks' timeline can help students see the many times the project almost failed.
Common MisconceptionThe London Conference was just a formality.
What to Teach Instead
While the main work was done, the delegates still had to finalize the legal language with the British government and ensure the act would pass in the British Parliament. Role-playing the final 'sign-off' can highlight this final step.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Charlottetown Conference?
What were the 72 Resolutions?
Why did the delegates have to go to London?
How can active learning help students understand the Confederation conferences?
More in Confederation: Building a Nation
Political Deadlock in the Province of Canada
Understand how the equal number of seats for Canada East and West led to a government that could not make decisions.
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The Great Coalition and its Leaders
Examine the formation of the Great Coalition and the roles of key figures like John A. Macdonald, George-Étienne Cartier, and George Brown.
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Military Threats and Manifest Destiny
Examine the threat of American expansionism (Manifest Destiny) and the Fenian Raids as catalysts for union.
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The Charlottetown Conference (1864)
Trace the initial negotiations at Charlottetown, originally intended for Maritime Union, and its expansion to include the Province of Canada.
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The Quebec Conference (1864) and 72 Resolutions
Examine the detailed discussions and the creation of the 72 Resolutions, outlining the structure of the proposed new nation.
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