The Importance of Durham's appointment, the roles of Wakefield and Buller, the importance of the Durham report. Flashcards
Who was Lord Durham?
A pro-reform charismatic, Whig politician, highly wealth, credited for his work on abolishing slavery in 1832.
Durham also was vital in passing the Great Reform act of 1832 which gave the middle classes a much greater say in politics.
Known as Radical Jack
His personality meant it was too dangerous for him to be a government minster, but his talent was undeniable, so Lord Melbourne made him High Commissioner for British North America in 1837
What did Durham get up to in Canada?
Firstly, he insisted on bringing his own advisors.
He was in Canada for Four and a half months, but he certainly made the most of the time. He met with reformers lie Baldwin in Upper Canada to compile evidence for his report.
In LC, he dismissed the EC and replaced them with his own trusted staff.
He also issued a statement asking for the co-operation of everyone who wanted peaceful reforms.
He introduced Canada’s first police force and sough to reform land tenure in LC.
He also pardoned the majority of prisoners from both revolts, he did banish the ringleaders to Bermuda which got him in trouble later on.
Why did Durham have to leave Canada?
Durham’s banishment of prisoners to Bermuda caused Parliament to pass the bill of indemnity, condemning his actions and as he was too weak as PM, Lord Melbourne could not defend Durham, causing him to resign on October 9th.
There were demonstrations across Canada showing how Durham was popular.
The new Governor, John Colbourne stated that Canada was safe from the threat of Rebellion and its people waited pateintly for the report to come out.
Why should we not praise Durham entirley?
He was only there for four and a half months
He ignored the issue of Native Americans in Canada, a serious omission considering he was looking to settle land tenure.
Durham was also dismissive of the French Canadians in LC, considering them lacking in refinement and education. He suggested Union which was meant to remove a separate French identity, despite the efforts to retain their language and heritage.
Who was Edward Wakefield?
A controversial appointment as he served a stretch in prison for kidnapping a 15 year old girl.
He was influential on the report, with the majority being his idea.
He supported systematic colonisation, meant selling land in colonies at a high price rather than giving it away for free with the idea this would attract worthy settlers.
He had the most influence on the land and emigration section of the report, the idea that land given away for free should be taxed, He also supported uniting the provinces.
Who was Charles Buller?
Well liked public face, he was involved in many of the Whig party reforms of the 1830s.
Headed many of the commissions that ran the Canadas after the executive councils were dismissed.
What were the key parts of the Report?
Durham had a problem with constitutional deadlock which resulted in governors acting without consultation of the assembles.
He suggested unifying UC and LC, meaning the French Canadians would be a minority and therefore would cause less harm.
All freedoms granted by the Quebec act should be reversed as to improve the living of the Habitants.
Responsible self government should be granted for the new unified province, following the West Minister model.
What were the results in Canada?
A United Canada in May 1839
UC was happy with this union, alleviating the debt burden and creating a British majority.
There was significant protest from the French Canadians, who were ignored as most influential rebels were in America.
The act of the union was proclaimed on the 19th of February in 1841 in Montreal.
What where the long term implications
Responsible self government for all colonies (White colonies) Known as Dominos by1850s.
It was the first of its kind, had it not come out when it did, the empire could have been permanently destabilised.
From bow on, whatever the colonists wanted, they got (largely)
