The Drive To Nationhood 1854 - 1868

a. The Province of Canadab. The Atlantic Colonies

c. The Confederation Debates

Representation by Population

“Rep by Pop”• The number of elected members of the

Legislative assembly is based on the number of voters.

• Disagreements between French and English– Why?

Canada West vs. Canada East“Rep by Pop”

• Canada West (Clear Grit - George Brown) was pushing for “rep by pop” because they had a larger population and therefore would have more representation in the Legislative Assembly.

• Canada East (Bleu - George-Etienne Cartier) was against “rep by pop” since they would have less power because they now had a smaller population.

• In the past Canada East had the larger population, and at that time both sides were given equal representation in the Legislative Assembly.

Responsible Government

Canada West Canada East

Executive Council

Legislative Assembly

Political Deadlock

• Since there was an equal number of representatives from Canada West and Canada East, the two groups often voted against one another and major legislation could not be passed.

• The Legislative Assembly disagreements resulted in “deadlock” (unable to do or pass anything)

End of Political Deadlock

• George Brown (Clear Grit), George-Etienne Cartier (Bleu) agreed to work together John A. Macdonald (Tories)

• They put aside their personal feelings and decided to work together for the betterment of the country

This is called a:

Federal Union • (a political union in

which the members have certain powers over their own affairs, and certain powers are turned over to a central government)

Federal Union

• Together they could form a FEDERAL UNION of the Province of Canada (Canada East and Canada West), the Atlantic Colonies (P.E.I., Nova Soctia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland) and the North-West Territories.

• The offer was accepted and the groups united to work for a federal union and coalition (a government where the political parties work together = coalition)

Reasons for Federal Union (Confederation)

• 1. When there is a political deadlock, no laws can get passed. That was when the Great Coalition was formed.

• 2. A railway was needed to link the colonies.

• 3. Trade with the United States was ending.

• 4. There was a threat of an American expansion into British North America (see map)

• 5. Britain was changing her attitude about the British North American Colonies