Reasons for Confederation Flashcards
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #1
In the United Province of Canada, the government
could not pass important laws because of political deadlock. Confederation with representation by population might break
the political deadlock.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #2
People were afraid the United States would take British North
America and make it part of the U.S.A. A united Canada
might be able to defend itself better.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #3
The United States did not want to continue free trade with British North America (no more Reciprocity Treaty). A united
Canada might improve trade between provinces.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #4
A railway was needed across Canada to improve trade between the colonies and move soldiers to defend Canada.
A federal government might have the money and power to
build a railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #5
The colonies were too expensive for Britain to support. A united Canada might not need so much help from the British
government.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #6
People wanted to move into the northern and western
territories. A united Canada could buy Rupert’s Land from
the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Why did some people in British North America want Confederation? Reason #7
Some of the colonies had a lot of debt. They had borrowed
money to build railways, roads and canals. If they joined. Confederation, the federal government might pay each colony’s debts.
