Great Coalition

Definition

The Great Coalition was a political alliance formed in 1864 among the leaders of the provinces of Canada to unite against the threats posed by external forces and internal divisions, ultimately leading to the Confederation of Canada in 1867. This coalition included key figures such as George Brown, John A. Macdonald, and George-Étienne Cartier, who recognized the need for cooperation across political lines to achieve a common goal of unification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Coalition was formed in response to the political deadlock in the Province of Canada, where different factions were unable to govern effectively.
2. One major outcome of the Great Coalition was the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, where the idea of uniting the colonies was seriously discussed.
3. The coalition aimed to address issues such as defense, trade, and governance that were prevalent among the provinces.
4. George-Étienne Cartier played a crucial role in bringing Quebec into the fold of the coalition, ensuring that French-speaking Canadians were represented in the new political structure.
5. The success of the Great Coalition ultimately led to the British North America Act, which established Canada as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire.

Review Questions

• What were the primary motivations behind the formation of the Great Coalition and how did it address the issues facing Canadian provinces at that time?
  • The primary motivations behind forming the Great Coalition included overcoming political deadlock, addressing defense concerns, and enhancing trade among Canadian provinces. The leaders recognized that disunity left them vulnerable to external threats and internal conflicts. By collaborating across political lines, they aimed to create a more stable and effective government structure that would ultimately lead to greater prosperity and security for all provinces involved.
• Analyze how key figures within the Great Coalition contributed to its success and what their individual goals were in relation to Confederation.
  • Key figures like John A. Macdonald sought to create a strong central government that could manage diverse interests across regions, while George Brown focused on representation for English-speaking Canadians. George-Étienne Cartier's goal was to ensure that French-speaking Canadians had a place in this new political landscape. Their collaboration helped navigate personal and regional interests to find common ground, making their alliance vital for achieving Confederation.
• Evaluate the impact of the Great Coalition on Canadian identity and governance following Confederation, considering both immediate and long-term effects.
  • The Great Coalition significantly shaped Canadian identity by fostering a sense of unity among diverse provinces and promoting cooperation across cultural lines. In terms of governance, it led to establishing federalism as a framework that balanced regional autonomy with centralized authority. This foundational structure allowed Canada to grow and adapt over time while accommodating various cultural identities, thus influencing its development as a multicultural nation in both immediate post-Confederation and throughout its history.

Related terms

Confederation:

The union of British North American colonies into a single Dominion, officially established on July 1, 1867, which laid the foundation for modern Canada.

Maritime Provinces: The provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island that initially participated in the Confederation discussions and were significant in shaping the goals of the Great Coalition.

Federalism:

A system of governance where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments, crucial for balancing interests during the Confederation process.