key term - London Conference

Definition

The London Conference, held in 1866, was a crucial meeting that brought together representatives from the provinces of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia to discuss the terms of Canadian Confederation. This conference was pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of Canada, as it laid the groundwork for the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, emphasizing the desire for unity and cooperation among the provinces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The London Conference was held from December 1866 to January 1867 and was attended by representatives from the colonies considering Confederation.
2. The discussions at this conference focused on important issues like representation, division of powers between federal and provincial governments, and how to handle financial arrangements.
3. The outcome of the London Conference resulted in the drafting of key documents that would become the foundation for Canada's Constitution.
4. One significant aspect discussed was how to incorporate Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island into Confederation at a later date.
5. The conference solidified the vision among the Fathers of Confederation for a united Canada that would provide stability and security against external threats.

Review Questions

• How did the London Conference influence the eventual terms of Canadian Confederation?
  • The London Conference was critical in shaping the terms of Canadian Confederation by bringing together key representatives who debated essential issues such as governance structure and fiscal policies. The discussions led to agreements on how power would be divided between federal and provincial governments, which became fundamental principles in Canada's Constitution. The decisions made during this conference established a framework that would guide Canada's political evolution.
• Evaluate the roles played by different provinces during the London Conference and their impact on Confederation.
  • Different provinces had varied interests and concerns at the London Conference, influencing the discussions and final outcomes. For instance, representatives from Nova Scotia were initially skeptical about Confederation due to fears of losing local autonomy, while those from Canada West were more supportive, seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth. This dynamic led to compromises that helped address local concerns while promoting a unified Canadian identity, ultimately affecting how Confederation was structured.
• Assess the long-term significance of the London Conference for Canada’s development as a nation.
  • The long-term significance of the London Conference lies in its establishment of a collaborative framework for governance that has shaped Canada's political landscape ever since. By addressing key issues such as provincial autonomy and federal authority, the conference laid a foundation for a balanced system that has allowed Canada to grow while respecting regional diversity. This initial cooperation fostered unity among provinces and set a precedent for future negotiations regarding intergovernmental relations, contributing to Canada's stability and resilience as a nation.

Related terms

Confederation:

The process by which the British North American colonies united to form a federal Dominion, ultimately resulting in the creation of Canada on July 1, 1867.

Fathers of Confederation: A group of political leaders who played key roles in advocating for and negotiating the terms of Confederation, including figures like John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier.

British North America Act:

The legislation passed by the British Parliament in 1867 that officially created the Dominion of Canada, outlining its governmental structure and powers.