Confederation

Definition

Confederation refers to the process by which several British North American colonies united to form the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. This union was motivated by the need for a stronger political and economic structure to address shared challenges, such as defense, trade, and governance. The formation of a confederation marked a significant shift towards self-governance and cooperation among provinces, creating a framework for collective decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The initial meeting to discuss confederation took place at the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, where leaders from the colonies discussed forming a united entity.
2. The Quebec Conference followed in 1864, where details of the confederation were negotiated, including the establishment of a federal system with provincial powers.
3. The British North America Act was enacted on July 1, 1867, officially uniting Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into one federation.
4. Confederation was partly driven by fears of American expansionism and the desire for greater military cooperation among the colonies.
5. Over time, confederation expanded to include additional provinces and territories, evolving into modern-day Canada as we know it.

Review Questions

• How did the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences shape the foundation of Confederation?
  • The Charlottetown Conference served as a crucial starting point where leaders from various colonies discussed the possibility of uniting under one government. Following this, the Quebec Conference provided a platform for these leaders to outline specific details about how this union would function, including governance structures and provincial powers. These conferences laid the groundwork for the British North America Act and established a framework that balanced regional interests with centralized authority.
• Evaluate the early challenges faced by the new nation after Confederation was established in 1867.
  • After Confederation was established, Canada faced several early challenges including regional disparities in economic development and political representation. The new federal system required effective cooperation between provincial and federal governments, which often led to tensions over jurisdiction. Additionally, there were significant debates about language rights and the integration of diverse cultural groups, all of which tested the resilience of the newly formed nation and highlighted the complexities of uniting different regions under one government.
• Analyze how Confederation influenced Canada's national identity and its relationship with Britain in the late 19th century.
  • Confederation played a critical role in shaping Canada's national identity by fostering a sense of unity among diverse provinces while allowing for regional autonomy. This newfound collective identity began to distance Canada from Britain, as it sought to assert its own governance through local control rather than colonial oversight. As Canada grew more confident in its independence, it pursued policies that reflected its unique interests, ultimately leading to a more distinct national character that would influence its role on the global stage in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Dominion: A term used to describe a semi-independent polity within the British Empire, with Canada being the first dominion established in 1867.

Federalism:

A political system that divides power between a central government and regional governments, allowing for shared authority and responsibilities.

British North America Act:

The act passed by the British Parliament in 1867 that officially created the Dominion of Canada and outlined its governance structure.