Reasons against Confederation

Question 1

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #1

Answer 1

Confederation was not needed. Things were fine the way
they were.

Question 2

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #2

Answer 2

The central government might take away the provincial
government’s power.

Question 3

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #3

Answer 3

If Canada had representation by population, the smaller
provinces might have very little power in the federal
government.

Question 4

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #4

Answer 4

French Canadians might lose their language and culture in a
country with an English-speaking majority.

Question 5

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #5

Answer 5

A united Canada might lose its ties with Britain.

Question 6

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #6

Answer 6

There might be more taxes to pay for the new railway
building and other changes. These changes might be good
for other provinces but not for them.

Question 7

Why were some people in British North America against Confederation? #7

Answer 7

There might be more tariffs on imports. This would make
them more expensive to buy.

Question 8

What events led to Confederation?

Answer 8

1) Problems with
U.S.A.
2) The Civil War
3) The Trent incident
4) St. Albans raid
5) The Fenian raids
6) Reciprocity Treaty
ends
7) The delegates meet
8) Quebec
Conference
9) Confederation
debates
10) London
Conference