Military Threats and Manifest Destiny
Examine the threat of American expansionism (Manifest Destiny) and the Fenian Raids as catalysts for union.
Key Questions
- Explain how the Fenian Raids highlighted the need for a united defense.
- Analyze the perceived threat of American Manifest Destiny to British North America.
- Predict how a unified military would deter external aggression.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
About This Topic
Confederation was not universally popular, and this topic examines the significant resistance it faced across the colonies. Students will study the 'Anti-Confederation' movement in the Atlantic colonies, led by figures like Joseph Howe in Nova Scotia, who feared that union would lead to higher taxes and the loss of local identity. In Canada East, leaders like Antoine-Aimé Dorion argued that a strong central government would threaten French Canadian language and culture.
Crucially, the curriculum also addresses the voices that were excluded from the negotiations altogether. Indigenous nations were not consulted, and their sovereignty was ignored in the creation of the new state. This topic encourages students to think critically about who benefited from Confederation and who was marginalized. It is best taught through structured debates and 'perspective-taking' activities that highlight the diverse viewpoints of the 1860s.
Active Learning Ideas
Formal Debate: To Join or Not to Join?
Students take on the roles of 'Pro-Confederates' and 'Anti-Confederates' in Nova Scotia or PEI. They must use historical arguments about trade, taxes, and identity to persuade the 'voters' (the rest of the class).
Inquiry Circle: The Missing Voices
Pairs research the perspectives of Indigenous leaders or women during the 1860s. They create a 'letter to the editor' that these groups might have written to express their concerns about being excluded from the negotiations.
Think-Pair-Share: Dorion's Concerns
Students read a short excerpt from Antoine-Aimé Dorion's speeches. They discuss with a partner whether his fears about French Canadian culture have been realized or addressed in modern Canada.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionEveryone in Canada was happy on July 1, 1867.
What to Teach Instead
In many places, like Nova Scotia, flags were flown at half-mast to protest the union. Using a 'mood map' of the colonies in 1867 can help students see the widespread dissent.
Common MisconceptionIndigenous people didn't care about Confederation.
What to Teach Instead
Indigenous nations were deeply concerned about their treaties and land rights being transferred to a new government without their consent. Analyzing the 'silence' in the BNA Act regarding Indigenous rights can surface this issue.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph Howe oppose Confederation?
Why did Prince Edward Island initially refuse to join?
How were Indigenous rights affected by Confederation?
How can active learning help students understand the resistance to Confederation?
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