The Words That Shaped Canada: The British North America Act

Summary

In the early 1860s, British North America faced economic struggles and divisions among its colonies. To strengthen their economies and protect themselves from the growing power of the United States, the colonies proposed uniting into a single nation. After debates and disagreements, the British North America Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1867, officially creating Canada. This act set the foundation for Canada's parliamentary system and divided powers between the federal and provincial governments. Although not all colonies joined, the act paved the way for modern Canada's formation, with Sir John A. Macdonald as its first Prime Minister.

Takeaways

• 😀 In the early 1860s, British North America consisted of seven colonies and two territories, each with its own government.
• 😀 Economic struggles were faced by the colonies due to decreased exports to the United States and the United Kingdom.
• 😀 People in the colonies wanted to increase trade between them, and building railways was seen as a way to achieve this, despite the high costs.
• 😀 The province of Canada was deeply divided over politics, language, and religion, leading to government deadlock.
• 😀 There was fear among British North Americans of being invaded or annexed by the growing United States.
• 😀 The idea of Confederation was proposed by the Maritime colonies to unite and create a stronger, more prosperous country.
• 😀 The Province of Canada joined the Maritime colonies' proposal, and after a week of discussions, a broader union was agreed upon.
• 😀 The Quebec City conference was held to finalize the details of Confederation, with Newfoundland joining in the discussions.
• 😀 Despite disagreements, Confederation was approved by most colonies, but rejected by Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.
• 😀 The final agreement resulted in the British North America Act, which created Canada and served as its first constitution, dividing powers between federal and provincial governments.
• 😀 Canada officially became a nation on July 1st, 1867, with Sir John A. Macdonald as its first Prime Minister, and the British North America Act remains a key part of Canada’s Constitution today.

Q & A

What was the situation in British North America in the early 1860s?

In the early 1860s, British North America consisted of seven colonies and two territories. These colonies faced economic struggles, including a decrease in exports to the United States and the United Kingdom, and were dealing with political, religious, and linguistic divisions. Additionally, there was fear of being invaded or annexed by the United States.

What was the main economic challenge facing British North America at the time?

The main economic challenge was the decline in exports to both the United States and the United Kingdom, leading to struggling economies. There was a strong desire to increase trade between the colonies.

Why was the construction of railways a key issue in British North America?

Building railways was seen as essential for increasing trade between the colonies, but it was expensive. It also highlighted the need for better communication and transportation infrastructure.

What was the political situation in the Province of Canada during this time?

The Province of Canada was deeply divided over politics, language, and religion, resulting in a deadlocked government. This division made it difficult to address the economic and security challenges facing the colonies.

What idea did the Maritime colonies propose to solve the problems facing British North America?

The Maritime colonies proposed uniting to form a new country, believing that a union would make all the colonies stronger and more prosperous.

How did the Province of Canada respond to the Maritime colonies' proposal?

The Province of Canada expressed interest in the idea and requested to join the conference that the Maritime colonies were organizing to discuss the possibility of a union.

What was the result of the first conference on Confederation?

In just over a week of meetings, representatives from the colonies agreed that a wider union would strengthen the colonies and improve their prosperity. However, agreeing on the details, such as governance and power distribution, proved more difficult.

What were the major challenges in creating the new country of Canada?

The major challenges included deciding on the structure of governance, specifically whether the provinces or the federal Parliament would hold more power. There was also disagreement about the terms of Confederation, especially in the Maritime provinces.

Which colonies did not approve Confederation, and which did?

Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island rejected Confederation, while the other colonies, including the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, approved it.

What was the outcome of the Quebec conference, and how did it lead to the creation of Canada?

At the Quebec conference, representatives agreed on a set of resolutions for the new country. These were later transformed into a bill, which was approved by the British Parliament. The British North America Act was passed, creating Canada on July 1st, 1867.

What did the British North America Act do, and why is it important today?

The British North America Act, passed by the British Parliament, established Canada as a new country and served as its first constitution. It set up a parliamentary system, defined the powers of federal and provincial governments, and outlined the roles of the monarch, governor-general, Senate, and House of Commons. The Act remains a key part of Canada's Constitution today.

Who became Canada's first Prime Minister after Confederation?

Sir John A. Macdonald, one of the primary supporters of Confederation, became Canada's first Prime Minister after the country was formed.