Confederation: Building a Nation · Term 2

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.

About This Topic

Beyond internal politics, several external pressures pushed the British North American colonies toward Confederation. This topic explores the economic impact of the end of the Reciprocity Treaty (free trade) with the United States, which forced the colonies to look for new markets among themselves. Students will also examine the military threat posed by 'Manifest Destiny', the American belief that they were destined to control all of North America, and the specific danger of the Fenian Raids, which were attacks by Irish-Americans on Canadian soil.

These pressures made the idea of a united defense and an intercolonial railway increasingly attractive. The curriculum highlights how fear and economic necessity can be powerful motivators for political change. This topic is best taught through collaborative investigations into the 'push' and 'pull' factors of the 1860s and simulations of defense planning.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Railway Pitch

Groups act as railway promoters trying to convince the different colonies to invest in an intercolonial railway. They must create a poster showing the economic and military benefits for each region.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Simulation Game: Responding to the Fenians

Students are given 'news flashes' about Fenian Raids at the border. They must decide how to coordinate a defense using only the resources of their individual colony versus a united colonial force.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Manifest Destiny

Students analyze an American map from the 1860s showing the continent under one flag. They discuss with a partner how this image would make people in the British colonies feel and what they might do to prevent it.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Confederation was only about making a new country.

What to Teach Instead

It was also a survival strategy in response to real economic and military threats. A 'threat assessment' activity can help students see the practical reasons for union.

Common Misconception

The United States was planning an immediate invasion.

What to Teach Instead

While there was fear of invasion, the threat was often more about gradual economic and political absorption. Using primary source editorials from the time can clarify the nature of the 'American threat.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Reciprocity Treaty?

The Reciprocity Treaty was a free-trade agreement between the British North American colonies and the United States (1854-1866). When the US ended the treaty, the colonies lost their biggest market, making them realize they needed to trade more with each other.

Who were the Fenians?

The Fenians were a group of Irish-Americans who wanted to gain independence for Ireland by attacking British interests in North America. Their raids on the Canadian border in the 1860s convinced many colonists that a united defense was necessary.

How would a railway help Confederation?

An intercolonial railway would physically link the colonies, allowing for faster trade and the quick movement of troops for defense. It was a key promise made to the Atlantic colonies to encourage them to join the union.

How can active learning help students understand the pressures for Confederation?

By using simulations of 'threat responses' and economic planning, students see Confederation as a problem-solving exercise. Active learning helps them understand that the union was a response to real-world crises, making the historical events feel more urgent and relevant.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU