Confederation was the union of the colonies of British North America into a federation. The members of the federal union would keep certain powers themselves, and give certain powers to a central government. For a while, the idea of Confederation appealed to some politicians. However, due to the French culture, Canada East didn’t support Confederation. French-Canadians opposed because they felt that they would become the minority in an English-speaking nation. Although many people opposed union as well as favoured it, responsible government was being argued through the 1840s. The union, central government, would control defence, external relations, currency, postage, taxation, etc. The British government, at this time, controlled these issues. Those who supported union were called Liberals and those who opposed were Tories or Conservatives. However, Britain’s economic relationship with the colonies began changing. In 1846, the British government repealed the Corn Laws. These were laws in which grain from the colonies entered Britain tax free or with only low tariff. Grain from any other country had a substantial tax added to its price. This was part of Britain’s colonial mercantile economic system, and it protected British agriculture. Buying wheat, flour, and other products at the lowest price from any country, Britain wanted to move toward free trade. However, after the Corn Laws were repealed, Canada’s economy went into a depression. Few industries existed to revive the economy. Creating a country began to appeal to Canadians, allowing a Canadian government to create its own economic policy.
Britain's attitudes:
Britain’s view upon Canada began to change drastically. In 1847, Lord Elgin, Lord Durham’s son-in-law was given the duty of putting responsible government into operation. This meant that the colony would then become Britain’s economic partner, no longer a responsibility. This was an advantage because it was expensive to govern, defend, and financially support the colonies. In 1849, the Rebellion Losses Bill was passed by the elected and reformist government of Canada. Including the rebels of the Rebellion of 1837, this bill gave financial compensation to anyone. This angered the anti-rebels and the governor Lord Elgin, who was also against this bill. However, under responsible government, he had no right to veto it. A full riot took place, and the parliament building was set on fire. Although violence and anger transpired, this was the start of a new form of government: democracy.
advantages of confederation:
As a united nation, Canada would achieve economic stability. Because the trade barriers were abolished, the colonies could then trade freely with one another. A strong united government resulted in the building of an intercontinental railway to link the colonies. This was something that a separate government wouldn’t be able to finance on their own. Eventually, the railway extended to the Northwest even as far as the Pacific. In the West, confederation would guarantee that British Columbia and Rupert’s Land would not be seized by the United States. As an independent and united nation, Canada would less likely be invaded by the United States. As a result of Confederation, the way that the colonies were being governed could be improved. The Act of Union, 1840, had set an unsuccessful system of governing Canada West and Canada East. Too many elections were held and there was plenty of idle time. Many members of the Legislative Assembly were independent, and could bring down the government by voting against the bills. However, with Confederation achieved, many of these problems would be resolved.