P3: 1837 Rebellions, Durham Report, Canadian Confederation
Act of Union
-1840 -united Upper&Lower Canada -one legislative assembly -combined debts of two colonies -Lower Canada had less debt -- created hostility -English was the only official language -- hostility
What were the 92 resolutions?
-A list of complaints drawn up by the Assembly of Lower Canada. -They threatened to vote against taxes being collected. This meant that the government officials could not collect their salaries. -Also, the building of bridges, roads, and canal would stop. -Papineau ordered the Patriotes not to buy British goods from English merchants.
Describe the impact of free trade (or complications with free trade) on Confederation. -Canadian vs American plan
-Before 1846, BNA colonies had favored trade with Britain -Special deal called "preference" -In 1846, Britain ended preference and now allowed goods from all countries without charging taxes -Caused financial pressure on colonies THE CANADIAN PLAN -The colonies had worked out a Treaty of Reciprocity (that is, open or "free" trade) with the United States -This allowed the Canadian and Maritime colonies to sell their fish, lumber, coal, and grain in the lucrative American market. -Reciprocity brought prosperity but it also made the colonies increasingly dependent on US trade policies -The Treaty was due to be renewed in 1865, but the tensions caused by the US Civil War made it likely that they would let the agreement lapse, ending free trade -Once the American market had been cut off, what then? -A union of the British North American colonies made a lot of sense. -It would allow cross-colonial access to Maritime fisheries, New Brunswick timber, Canadian factories, and perhaps even the land and natural resources of the vast Northwest AMERICAN PLAN -Annexation is the legal incorporation of some territory into another country -The Americans announced that they would not renew the Reciprocity Treaty, but what they were trying to do was to force Canada to join the American union -They thought that ending free trade would force the Canadians into annexation with the United States, but instead the impending end of free trade actually drew them closer together
What was Britain's attitude towards BNA before Confederation?
-Britain was still the head of an empire and as imperialistic as ever -But emphasis on trade and profit rather than military might and imperial monopolies -British North American colonies now seen as a "burden" -British North America needed to grow up and take more responsibility for its own affairs - without leaving the British Empire entirely, of course. -A self-governing union, still under the final authority of Great Britain, seemed like the ideal solution
What were the effects of Canadian Confederation?
-Created Dominion of Canada under British North America Act -Divided government between Provincial & National governments -Provincial governments were comprised of an elected legislative house -Government structure was federal, but form was parliamentary -Ottawa became capital & Macdonald became Prime Minister
What was the role of the US Civil War in causing Confederation?
-Fear of an American takeover during the Civil War was perhaps the leading cause of Canadian Confederation. -The Civil War in the United States (1861-1865) was tearing the country apart. -The slave-owning Confederate states of the South had attempted to leave the union, and the free states of the North (the Union) were hammering them into submission. -Canada didn't support the slave-owning southern Confederacy but it was caught up in the struggle anyway -Britain claimed to be neutral but showed clear sympathy and even support for the breakaway states of the South. -The US government became very anti-British and newspapers in Chicago and New York warned Canada, "Just wait 'til this war is over. You're next!" -The Civil War in the United States added a sense of urgency to the move toward Confederation -An attack on Canada by the Americans seemed very likely because of Britain's not quite so neutral position in the civil war -Defence became a key concern for people in the British North American colonies (Canada) -Uniting together would be one way to ensure that they were protected from the possibility of American attacks. (Britain couldn't be counted on anymore)
Why was Lord Durham chosen to investigate the problems in the Canadas?
-For years the colonists of Upper and Lower Canada have complained about the way they have been governed, but Britain ignored them -Armed Rebellions showed that it is time to act -Lord Durham was sent to investigate on the troubles and suggest reforms -He was given the rank of Governor-in-Chief -He was welcomed, as he was known to be a British Reformer. He was from the wealthy class, but supported reforms for the working class.
Describe the impact of railways on Canadian Confederation.
-If the American Civil War and the end of free trade made Confederation necessary, the railways made it possible. -Trains could run year round -Trains were much faster than travelling on horseback -The colonies had been isolated from each other by the sheer scale of the Canadian geography but that obstacle could now be crossed -There were a lot of profits to be made from railways -It's not a coincidence that many of the leading promoters of Confederation had some affiliation with the railway (George Etienne Cartier was the Grand Trunk Railway's lawyer) -The military threat from the United States made it important to have a separate, internally connected colonial railway that didn't have to pass through the United States -It could be used to move troops from the Maritimes to the interior quickly and efficiently -The colonies had invested in building railway lines but had run into money troubles. -It was clear to the politicians that a national railway running coast-to-coast was a top priority. -Individually, however, the colonies could not afford it. -The provincial politicians believed that a united Canada could finance the national railroad initiative.
What was the situation in the Maritimes?
-It was not violent -In each colony the government was controlled by a small influential group who worked closely with the governor. -Reformers were eventually elected to the Legislative Assemblies: Joseph Howe (NS), George Coles (PEI), L.A. Wilmot (NB) They worked to pass laws that the people wanted. -Their patience paid off. When responsible government was achieved, it came to NS first
Who led Lower Canada? What was Lower Canada's goal?
-Louis-Joseph Papineau -Leader of the French-speaking majority in the Assembly -Lawyer -Became leader of the reform party in Lower Canada -He wanted French-speaking people to have a greater share in lawmaking -He dedicated his life to preserving the French language, law and religion. -He and his supporters became known as Patriotes and they attacked the Chateau Clique -Lower Canada wanted political power, but more importantly wanted to keep their culture
What was the aftermath of the Battle of Toronto?
-MacKenzie fled towards the American border at Niagara. -There was a £1000 price on his head. -Supporters helped him escape. From Navy Island, he tried to keep his rebellion alive. He conducted raids along the border. -Officials in Upper Canada complained and MacKenzie was arrested. He was put in jail for 18 months. -12 years after the rebellion, MacKenzie was pardoned and returned to Toronto. -Only 2 rebel leaders publicly executed: Peter Matthews and Samuel Lount -Bodies not returned to families -When Mackenzie returned he built a monument for these men
What was the main problem with the elected assembly?
-Root problem was having elected assemblies under the control of appointed councils (Britain had more power, elected officials could be cancelled out) -Elected assembly had little power (Executive & Legislative Councils were appointed by the governor and they approved bills and rejected bills)
What did the Durham report recommend? What was a less popular goal of the Durham report?
-That the two colonies of Upper and Lower Canada should join as one province -That responsible government should be granted. All advisors to the governor should be chosen from the largest party in the Assembly elected by the citizens. -Upper and Lower Canada were united by the Act of the Union in 1841 -Canada West and Canada East. Capital was Montreal Less popular goal: -Assimilate the French (Durham referred to French Canadians in a negative way, said they had "no history and no literature")
Why did the rebellion in Lower Canada fail?
-The Rebellion was not well planned and it lacked leadership -Only 1 in 10 Patriotes had a gun -They were not trained soldiers -Many Patriotes were unwilling to go against the church
What were the causes of discontent in Lower Canada?
-The elected Assembly was pulling in one direction and the two appointed councils were pulling in another direction -The Assembly was made up of French-speaking members and the English governor would not agree to all the laws they wanted -Chateau Clique: Ruling class of Lower Canada. English-speaking merchants and speakers. Governor chose them to be councillors. -They wanted to preserve their language, Roman Catholic religion and traditional way of agriculture -The French feared the English would take up all the good farm land -Resented the number of English settlers in the cities, as they wanted to change to an industrial society. They wanted to build roads, canals, bridges and banks. This would bring more English settlers
What were the causes of Canadian Confederation?
-The idea of uniting the colonies of British North America had been around for a long time - ever since the Loyalists had arrived -But it wasn't until the 1860s that several key elements came together to make the union both a reality - and a necessity: -A change in British attitudes -A renewed fear of an American invasion -The impending loss of free trade with the United States -The promise (and financial debts) of a dawning age of rail -Political stalemate in the Canadas -And last but not least, the "glory argument" - that shimmering romantic allure of creating something bigger, better, grander
Describe the development of "Representation by Population"
-The population of the Province of Canada was growing and the biggest increase was in the English-speaking region of Canada West (Ontario) -Despite the difference in population, the Parliament was still divided on a strict 50-50 spit of seats -For George Brown and his Reformers, this was plainly unfair and they began to call for representation by population. It was, said Brown, the only way to end "French Catholic domination" -Members in Canada East refused to accept the "Rep by Pop" idea. The result? An ongoing political stalemate -One way to break the deadlock would be to create a union with the other British colonies. -Canada West and Canada East, as separate provinces, would have their own government and their own decision making process. -This would give Canada West greater autonomy, while still allowing for inter-colonial trade and defence
Describe the impact of political stalemate on causing Canadian Confederation.
-The push for Confederation began in the United Province of Canada - and for good reason -They were experiencing a political deadlock -The Province of Canada was split right down the middle, along political, cultural, social, and linguistic lines -With equal seats awarded to both sides, anyone wishing to hold power needed a majority that included French-Canadian voters. -The Act of Union which created the Province of Canada actually strengthened the French-Canadian position - not weakened it as it was supposed to
What part did the British government and the Chateau Clique play in causing the rebellion in Lower Canada?
-They did not listen to the complaints -Used tax money for their own benefit -Used government positions to support themselves and the majority of citizens
Who led Upper Canada? What was Upper Canada's goal?
-William Lyon Mackenzie -Reformer in Upper Canada -In York, he set up a newspaper called the Colonial Advocate in which he attacked the Family Compact and the governor -Members of Family compact destroyed his press, but he took them to court and won the case. He bought another press and continued the newspaper. -Elected member of the Assembly, where he continued his attack on the government. -Great orator, who was often expelled from the Assembly but he voted back in each time. -First mayor of Toronto in 1834 -Upper Canada wanted more political power -Both thought colonial administration was out of touch with its subjects
What was the impact of the war of 1812 on "Canada"?
-anti-American feelings ran high among English Canadian elite -For French Canadians the struggle was not anti-Americanism but anti-Anglicanization -assimilation (scared to lose culture/language); French Canada felt threatened by English/Irish
British North America Act (Compromises, Unresolved issues)
1867 -Act of Parliament of UK (Canada was "released") -Autonomy extended only to internal affairs. External affairs had to go through Britain (ex border negotiations with US) -divided province of Canada into provinces of Quebec and Ontario and provided them with Constitutions Compromises: -"Dominion" rather than "Kingdoms" -Quebec conference: divided powers (local, general) -London conference - separate school systems Unresolved issues: -no explicit bill of rights -some provinces did not was to be included -lack of full autonomy -provincial vs dominion dominated power
What were elections in Canada like before 1836? After? How did this impact the rebellions?
BEFORE 1836 -Each political group set up headquarters, usually at a tavern or inn, and they would build platforms outside for the speakers. -On the morning of the election, crowds would gather around to hear the speeches. -There was no such thing as a secret ballot. -They used to vote in front of everybody. -When it was time to vote, each person climbed up onto the platform and announced who they were voting for and a clerk would write it down. -Often fights would break out, employers would fire employees if they did not like the way the employee voted. -Elections could last days. AFTER 1836 -Governor Sir Francis Bond Head arrived in 1836 and knew nothing about Canada and politics. -He considered all Reformers disloyal traitors to Britain. -During the election of 1836, he went around the colony urging people to vote for the Tories. "A vote for a Reformer is a vote against Britain." -The Tories won and MacKenzie and other Reformers lost their seats. -MacKenzie published a bold call for independence from Britain.
What were the two main political parties in the province of Canada?
Conservatives (Tories): Canada West: John A. Macdonald's "Liberal-Conservative" Party Canada East: George-Etienne Cartier's parti bleu (aligned with the Church, and pro British and Anti-American in tone) Reformers (Grits): Canada West: George Brown's Reform Party Canada East: Antoine-Aime Dorion's radical parti rouge
Define: -Conservatives/Tories -Reformers/Moderate Reformers -Responsible Government
Conservatives/Tories: friends and supporters of the Family Compact. They wanted to conserve or keep the existing form of government Reformers/Moderate Reformers: wanted the system of government changed or reformed so that ordinary people would have more influence. Moderates realize that change takes time. Responsible Government: Governor should be responsible for carrying out the wishes of the majority in the Assembly. Colonies wanted to manage their own affairs
What was the Great Coalition? What were the conditions of this Coalition?
June 24, 1864 George Brown rose in the Assembly and offered to cross the floor. That is, he agreed to end the political deadlock by joining a coalition with his arch nemesis John A. MacDonald He had 3 conditions: 1) The coalition work toward creating a larger united federation of all British North America 2)The government of Canada, and any future union, be based on representation by population 3)The federation expand westward to the Northwest and perhaps even to the Pacific before the Americans did
What were the reasons for discontentment in Upper Canada?
LACK OF SAY IN GOVERNMENT -Assembly was elected colonists who proposed bills -Executive & Legislative Councils were appointed by the governor and they approved/rejected bills -Real power was in the hands of the governor and councils NO ACCESS TO INFLUENTIAL POSITIONS -Governor was from Britain -He chose the councillors from the wealthy and influential people who were mainly Loyalists (Family Compact) -Family Compact = People who were loyal to Britain (United Empire Loyalists) that were upper class individuals. They believed that they could govern the colony more effectively than the ordinary people. -Governor appointed all officials UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF LAND GRANTS -Best land given to members of Family Compact -Less than 1/10th of land was producing crops -Clergy Reserves = 1/7th of all surveyed land was given to the Anglican Church, which were mostly left uncleared. NO $ TO IMPROVE FARMING -Roads were terrible for transporting farm goods to markets -Money was spent of canals that benefitted the merchants
Who was Lord Elgin? (What did he do?) What was the Rebellion Losses Bill? Why was signing the Bill bad for Lord Elgin?
LORD ELGIN -1846, a new governor was appointed -Son-in-law of Lord Durham -In the election of 1848, more Reformers than Tories were elected to the Assembly. Lord Elgin promised he would take their advice of the reformers as long as the Reformers held the majority in the Assembly. -Responsible government had arrived in 1848 REBELLION LOSSES BILL -A bill that proposed that a large amount of money should be paid to people in Lower Canada whose property had been damaged during the rebellion. (1849) -People would be paid for damage to their homes, barns, fences, livestock, wagons and other personal property. -Tories voted against the bill. BAD BILL -The Tories were against the bill as they believed that the rebels, as well as the Loyalists, would be paid for losses they suffered. They called it a reward for those who rebelled. -The Reform party had the largest number of supporters and outvoted the Tories. The bill was passed. -The Tory leader hinted that there might be more violence if Elgin signed the bill. His wife was pregnant and feared violence might put her in danger. The leader was Durham's daughter and she supported the bill. -After he signed it, he was attacked by the Tories. His carriage was damaged, but he never fixed it, as he wanted people to remember at what price responsible government had been won.
Describe the Rebellion in Lower Canada
Nov. 6th 1837 fights break out on Montreal and other parts of Lower Canada. The governor calls in troops Nov. 23rd 1837 Colonel Gore leads a British attack on Patriote headquarters in St. Denis. Patriotes win Nov. 25th, 1837 Government raids Patriote stronghold at St. Charles. Town is burned and many dead. Patriotes blame their defeat on old guns and that they were outnumbered 2-1. Dec. 14th 1837 2000 troops advance on St. Eustache. Troops set fire to the church, where the patriotes were. As the Patriotes flee, 70 are shot. The town is looted. Papineau flees to the USA. The rebellion is over.
What was the role of the Family Compact in Upper Canada? RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES WHY DID THE GOVERNOR RELY ON THEM
RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES -Appointed members of councils and appointed officials -Best land grants -Tax money went to building canals which benefitted merchants WHY DID THE GOVERNOR RELY ON THEM -He was from Britain and was there for a short stay. -He was unfamiliar with the people and how the colony was run
Describe the Rebellions in Upper Canada (give details of the timeline)
The Battle of Toronto : Dec 1837 -The plan was to march down Yonge Street in the colonial capital of Toronto and seize the arms and ammunition that were stored in Toronto's city hall. They wanted to use those weapons to force the government to surrender in a bloodless coup. Mackenzie, Lount, Matthews and Rebels VS Bond Head Mon. Dec. 4th: -MacKenzie gathers rebels at Montgomery's Tavern north of Toronto, about 6 km north of the city -Rebels plan to attack Toronto and seize parliament -Colonel Moodie, a loyalist, attempted to ride through the rebel roadblock to warn Governor Bond Head in Toronto. -Moodie fired his pistol, apparently over the heads of the rebels, the opening shot in the rebellion in Upper Canada. -A number of the rebels returned fire killing Moodie. But now Mackenzie hesitated rather than striking directly into the city. This gave Governor Bond Head a chance to organize. -The lack of action also led to more desertions from the rebel side. Tues. Dec. 5th -300 trained fighters were available to defend Toronto -Governor Sir Francis Bond Head places his family on a steamer for safety -Governor Head sends officials to bargain with MacKenzie for a truce -A pardon was offered to those who laid down weapons, but MacKenzie refused -Samuel Lount led armed rebels in a night attack -At Mrs. Sharpe's garden, Sherif Jarvis and 27 troops ambushed the rebels -Both sides retreated Wed. Dec. 6th -Reinforcements began to arrive in Toronto -Main buildings were barricaded -MacKenzie and Lount hold up a stage coach and seize letters about the defense of the city Thurs. Dec. 7th -Van Egmond takes control of the rebel troops at Montgomery's tavern -Only 500 poorly equipped rebels -Governor Head and Loyalists move to attack the rebel headquarters at Montgomery's tavern -Peter Matthews was given 60 riflemen and sent to the Don River Bridge as a diversion, but they were driven off. The move did not divert the main loyalist force, more than 1000 men divided into three columns, supported by two cannon. The main rebel force left at the tavern numbered just 400, with only 200 of those with firearms. -Loyalists used cannons and the rebels started to flee -Governor Head found MacKenzie's papers in the tavern, which contained names of the rebels -Less than a half hour the fighting was over and the Loyalists won -Rebels leaders fled to avoid being taken as prisoners
3 main conferences on the road to Confederation
The Charlottetown Conference: Sept. 1864 -union of maritime provinces -led to Quebec conference for more details about union The Quebec Conference: Oct. 1864 -72 resolutions and preservation of French language and culture for Quebec -adoption of bicameral government The London Conference 1866 -led to the British North American Act which created the Dominion of Canada -Federal system of powers Div btwn natl/provinc gov -Structure was federal -Gov. was parliamentary -Prov. Single elected leg. House w/ no senate Fr/Eng lang, Ottawa is capital, MacDonald is P.M.
Describe the colonies of British North America
Upper Canada: Ontario Lower Canada: Quebec NB, NS, PEI senior government based in Lower Canada other colonies had lieutenant governors NL ruled by separate governor
