History & Geography · Grade 7 · Confederation: Building a Nation · Term 2

The Charlottetown Conference (1864)

Trace the initial negotiations at Charlottetown, originally intended for Maritime Union, and its expansion to include the Province of Canada.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Canada, 1850–1867: Distance, Diversity, and Demographics - Grade 7

About This Topic

The Charlottetown Conference of 1864 marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history, initially convened to discuss the union of the Maritime provinces. Delegates from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island gathered with the primary goal of exploring a potential Maritime Union. However, the arrival of delegates from the Province of Canada (present-day Ontario and Quebec) dramatically altered the conference's trajectory. These representatives, eager to pursue a larger confederation, skillfully shifted the focus from a regional union to the broader concept of a united Canada.

This conference was not a formal decision-making body but rather a forum for discussion and persuasion. The delegates debated various political and economic issues, laying the groundwork for future negotiations. The success of the Province of Canada delegates in broadening the agenda highlights their strategic approach and the growing recognition of the need for a stronger, unified country. The Charlottetown Conference, therefore, stands as the crucial first step in the complex process that would eventually lead to Canadian Confederation in 1867.

Active learning is particularly beneficial for this topic as it moves beyond rote memorization of dates and names. Engaging students in role-playing scenarios or debates allows them to understand the motivations and perspectives of the different delegates, fostering deeper comprehension of the political maneuvering involved.

Key Questions

1. Explain the original purpose of the Charlottetown Conference.
2. Analyze how the Province of Canada delegates successfully shifted the agenda.
3. Evaluate the significance of this conference as the first step towards Confederation.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Charlottetown Conference immediately created Confederation.

What to Teach Instead

Students often confuse the initial discussions with the final outcome. Active learning, such as creating timelines or role-playing, helps students see the conference as one step in a longer process, emphasizing the subsequent conferences and negotiations required.

Common Misconception

All provinces were equally eager for Confederation from the start.

What to Teach Instead

The initial purpose was Maritime Union, and the Province of Canada's agenda was introduced later. Role-playing activities allow students to embody different provincial perspectives, revealing the varying levels of enthusiasm and the strategic shifts in discussion.

Active Learning Ideas

Role-Play: Charlottetown Conference Summit

Assign students roles as delegates from different provinces. Provide them with background information on their province's interests and concerns. Students then debate key issues, aiming to persuade others to their viewpoint on union.

60 min·Small Groups

Timeline Creation: Road to Confederation

In small groups, students create a visual timeline of key events leading up to Confederation, starting with the Charlottetown Conference. They must research and include brief descriptions of each event's significance.

45 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: Maritime Union vs. Canadian Confederation

Divide the class into two groups to debate the merits of a Maritime Union versus a larger Canadian Confederation from the perspective of 1864. Students must use historical arguments to support their position.

50 min·Whole Class

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original purpose of the Charlottetown Conference?

The Charlottetown Conference in 1864 was initially planned to discuss the potential union of the three Maritime provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The goal was to explore the benefits and feasibility of a unified regional government for these colonies.

How did the Province of Canada influence the conference?

Delegates from the Province of Canada, seeking a broader confederation, attended the conference and successfully shifted the agenda. They presented their vision for a united Canada, which gained significant traction among the Maritime delegates, transforming the meeting's focus.

Why is the Charlottetown Conference considered significant?

It is significant because it was the first formal meeting where delegates from different colonies discussed the idea of a larger union. It laid the essential groundwork and set the political momentum for the subsequent conferences that ultimately led to Canadian Confederation in 1867.

How can simulations help students understand the Charlottetown Conference?

Simulations, like role-playing as delegates, allow students to actively engage with the historical context. By debating issues and negotiating from different provincial viewpoints, they gain a deeper appreciation for the political challenges, compromises, and strategic decisions that shaped the path to Confederation.