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

The London Conference (1866-1867)

Study the final negotiations in London, leading to the drafting of the British North America Act.

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

About This Topic

The London Conference of 1866-1867 marked the final stage in Canada's path to Confederation. Sixteen delegates from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia gathered in London to refine the 72 Resolutions from the Quebec Conference. Led by figures like John A. Macdonald and Charles Tupper, they addressed key issues such as provincial powers, representation by population, and the need for a strong central government. This conference produced the British North America Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1867, which created the Dominion of Canada on July 1.

In the Ontario Grade 7 curriculum, this topic fits within Canada, 1850-1867: Distance, Diversity, and Demographics. Students explore the purpose of the conference, analyze changes to the Resolutions, like adjustments to financial terms and disallowance powers, and evaluate Britain's role in approval. These elements highlight negotiation, compromise, and imperial oversight in nation-building.

Active learning shines here because the conference involved debate and revision. Role-plays of delegate negotiations or collaborative timeline construction help students grasp abstract political processes through participation. They internalize compromises and British influence when they simulate decisions, making history feel immediate and relevant.

Key Questions

1. Explain the purpose of the London Conference in finalizing the terms of Confederation.
2. Analyze any significant changes made to the 72 Resolutions during this conference.
3. Evaluate the role of the British government in approving the creation of Canada.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the primary purpose of the London Conference in formalizing the British North America Act.
• Analyze significant modifications made to the 72 Resolutions during the London Conference, particularly concerning financial arrangements and federal powers.
• Evaluate the British government's role and influence in the final approval and passage of the British North America Act.
• Compare the proposals debated at the London Conference with the final provisions of the British North America Act.

Before You Start

The Quebec Conference (1864)

Why: Students need to understand the initial proposals and agreements made at the Quebec Conference to analyze the changes made in London.

Motivations for Confederation

Why: Understanding the reasons why colonies wanted to unite, such as economic benefits and defense, provides context for the negotiations at the London Conference.

Key Vocabulary

British North America Act	The foundational statute, passed by the British Parliament in 1867, that created the Dominion of Canada and outlined its governmental structure.
72 Resolutions	The framework for Confederation agreed upon at the Quebec Conference, which served as the basis for negotiations at the London Conference.
Dominion of Canada	The name adopted for the new country formed by the British North America Act, signifying its status within the British Empire.
Imperial Government	Refers to the government of Great Britain, which held ultimate authority over its colonies and played a crucial role in approving the creation of Canada.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The London Conference created Confederation without changes from earlier talks.

What to Teach Instead

Delegates revised the 72 Resolutions on issues like provincial debts and trade powers. Role-plays help students negotiate these tweaks, revealing the iterative process and building empathy for historical compromises.

Common Misconception

Canada became fully independent after the BNA Act.

What to Teach Instead

The Act established a Dominion under British authority, with the Queen as head of state. Document analysis activities let students compare texts, clarifying colonial ties and the gradual path to autonomy.

Common Misconception

All provinces agreed easily at London.

What to Teach Instead

New Brunswick's recent election shifted support, but tensions remained. Simulations of delegate debates expose divisions, helping students appreciate persuasion and timing in politics.

Active Learning Ideas

Role-Play: Delegate Negotiations

Assign students roles as key delegates like Macdonald or Tupper. Provide cards with positions on representation and powers. In rounds, pairs negotiate changes to the 72 Resolutions, then share agreements with the class. Conclude with a vote on the final act.

45 min·Pairs

Stations Rotation: Conference Documents

Set up stations with excerpts from the 72 Resolutions, London changes, and BNA Act. Small groups analyze one document, note differences, and create a visual summary. Rotate stations, then discuss as a class.

50 min·Small Groups

Timeline Build: Path to BNA Act

In small groups, students sequence events from Charlottetown to London using provided cards. Add sticky notes for changes made and British approvals. Present timelines and explain connections to Confederation.

35 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: British Role in Confederation

Divide class into pro and con teams on 'Did Britain control or support Confederation?' Provide evidence from the conference. Teams prepare arguments individually, then debate whole class with moderator.

40 min·Whole Class

Real-World Connections

• Lawyers specializing in constitutional law today still study the British North America Act (now called the Constitution Act, 1867) to understand the division of powers between federal and provincial governments in Canada.
• International diplomats often engage in complex negotiations, similar to those at the London Conference, to draft treaties and agreements that establish new international frameworks or resolve disputes.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a card asking: 'What was the main goal of the London Conference?' and 'Name one key change made to the 72 Resolutions.' Students write brief answers to demonstrate understanding of the conference's purpose and outcomes.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'How did the British government's approval shape the final form of Canada?' Facilitate a class discussion where students cite specific examples of British influence or oversight mentioned in their readings.

Quick Check

Present students with a short list of proposed changes to the 72 Resolutions (e.g., federal spending power, Senate appointments). Ask them to identify which of these were significant points of discussion or revision at the London Conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the London Conference?

The conference finalized Confederation terms by refining the 72 Resolutions into the British North America Act. Delegates addressed representation, federal-provincial division of powers, and financial arrangements. This step secured British approval, uniting Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia as Canada on July 1, 1867.

What changes were made to the 72 Resolutions at London?

Key adjustments included clarifying disallowance powers for the federal government, settling provincial debts, and specifying trade regulations. These ensured smoother implementation. Students benefit from comparing documents side-by-side to spot revisions and understand negotiation outcomes.

What role did the British government play in the London Conference?

Britain hosted the talks and drafted the BNA Act based on delegate agreements. Parliament debated and passed it quickly, showing support with minor tweaks. This highlights imperial oversight in Canada's formation, a core curriculum expectation.

How can active learning help teach the London Conference?

Role-plays and debates immerse students in delegate negotiations, making abstract terms tangible. Groups analyzing document changes collaboratively spot revisions others miss, fostering critical thinking. These methods connect history to skills like persuasion, helping students evaluate Britain's role through evidence-based discussions.