BNA Act

Question 1

Date of Confederation

Answer 1

July 1, 1867

Question 2

Why did confederation happen when it did?

Answer 2

1. political
2. economic
3. military

Question 3

Politics reasons for confederation

Answer 3

1. Britain was ready to give up power to “white dominions”
2. 1830’s rebellion crisis - Lower Canada (Quebec) + Upper Canada (Ontario) vs. Britain = they wanted political representation
3. Strong leaders: Joseph Howe, John A MacDonald, Baldwin
4. Nova Scotia was first to have responsible government

Question 4

Economic reasons for Confederation

Answer 4

1. Britain was a super-power and roved the Corn Laws which allowed Canada to sell to Britain with little competition from us and others
2. Canada union will help to lower trade barriers
3. build railway

Question 5

Military Reasons for Confederation 1

Answer 5

American civil War 1860’s
Britain initially supported the south (for cheap cotton and sugar); finally realized they were against human rights so sided with north after the war was over
When Reciprocity agreement lapsed it was better for Canada to join together to 1. create common defence so US would not invade and 2. have better unified position to negotiate trade

Question 6

What is the Reciprocity Agreement

Answer 6

Agreement between Britain and USA moving toward free trade. USA let it lapse because they were angry at Britain for support of south.

Question 7

Military Reasons for Confederation 2

Answer 7

USA has 1 million troops

Canada had few to protect themselves if US invaded

Question 8

BNA Act

Answer 8

1866 Maritime colonies decide to form a union to help with trade. Ontario and Quebec invite themselves
John A MacDonald
72 resolutions
July 1, 1867 in PEI