London Conference

Definition

The London Conference was a crucial meeting held in 1866-1867 that aimed to finalize the terms of Confederation for the Canadian provinces. This conference brought together key political figures from various provinces, allowing them to negotiate and address concerns regarding governance, representation, and the future of the newly formed Dominion of Canada. The discussions set the groundwork for the British North America Act, which would formally unite Canada as a self-governing entity within the British Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The London Conference took place from December 1866 to March 1867, with representatives from Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia participating.
2. One of the main outcomes of the conference was the agreement on a federal structure for Canada that balanced provincial and national powers.
3. Key figures such as John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Charles Monck played pivotal roles in shaping the discussions and final agreements at the conference.
4. The conference addressed concerns about representation by establishing a House of Commons with elected members and a Senate with appointed members.
5. The London Conference ultimately laid the foundation for Canada's constitution and set a precedent for future political negotiations within the country.

Review Questions

• How did the discussions at the London Conference address concerns regarding governance and representation among the provinces?
  • The London Conference focused on finding common ground among the provinces regarding governance and representation. Delegates negotiated a federal structure that included both a House of Commons with elected representatives and a Senate with appointed members. This dual system aimed to balance power between provincial interests and national needs, ensuring that all regions had a voice in the new government while addressing specific concerns related to representation.
• Evaluate the significance of key political figures who attended the London Conference in shaping Canada's path towards Confederation.
  • Key political figures such as John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Charles Monck were instrumental in influencing discussions at the London Conference. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives contributed to forming a compromise that could unite different provinces under one federal system. By advocating for their respective regions while also considering national interests, these leaders were crucial in overcoming initial divisions and crafting a framework for Confederation that balanced provincial autonomy with national governance.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the London Conference set precedents for future political negotiations in Canada.
  • The outcomes of the London Conference established essential precedents for future political negotiations in Canada by creating a model of federalism that respected provincial rights while promoting unity. The decisions made during this conference, such as establishing a bicameral legislature and delineating powers between federal and provincial governments, became foundational elements of Canada's constitution. Furthermore, this approach influenced subsequent discussions regarding territorial expansion and provincial participation, as it set standards for how provinces would interact within a unified political framework.

Related terms

British North America Act: The legislative act passed by the British Parliament in 1867 that created the Dominion of Canada, uniting Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single federation.

George Brown: A key figure in Canadian Confederation, George Brown was a politician and newspaper publisher who advocated for a federal system and played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the London Conference.

Confederation: The process of uniting several separate colonies in British North America into a single Dominion, which began with the discussions that led to the London Conference and culminated in 1867.