Name That Term!
The joining of British North American colonies to form a union.
Confederation
He became Canada’s first prime minister.
John A. Macdonald
Which neighbouring country did colonists fear might take over their territory?
The United States
What form of transportation connected colonies and could operate throughout the year?
Railroads.
What is political deadlock?
When opposing political groups cannot agree, preventing decisions.
Taking a territory and making it part of another country.
Annexation
He wanted provincial powers to protect French language and Catholic religion.
George-Étienne Cartier
These Irish nationalists threatened British North America to pressure Britain to free Ireland.
The Fenians
Why were railroads especially useful in winter?
Rivers and lakes froze, but railroads could continue moving people and goods.
Why were smaller colonies worried about Confederation?
They feared domination by the Canadas and losing control over local decisions.
Withdrawing from a country or political union.
Secession
He wanted representation by population and expansion into Rupert’s Land.
George Brown
Why did the large American army after the Civil War worry colonists?
It could be used to invade or take over British North American territory
Give two reasons leaders wanted to expand into Rupert’s Land.
Farmland, resources, or preventing American expansion. Accept any two.
What was the Great Coalition of 1864 trying to accomplish?
Political rivals worked together to overcome deadlock and pursue Confederation.
The American belief that the United States had the right and duty to expand across North America.
Manifest Destinty
This leader from Canada East encouraged cooperation between Canada East and Canada West.
Étienne-Paschal Taché
How could railroads help defend the colonies?
They could transport soldiers and supplies between places.
How did trade difficulties with Britain and the United States encourage Confederation?
Colonies wanted more trade with one another and access to customers within British North America.
Why did some French Canadians support Confederation while others opposed it?
Supporters hoped provincial powers would protect their language, religion, and culture. Opponents feared central government power would threaten those protections.
Explain the difference between a legislative union and a federal union.
Legislative: power held by a strong central government. Federal: power divided between central and provincial governments
Sort all four leaders into Canada East and Canada West.
East: Cartier and Taché. West: Macdonald and Brown.
Explain how American expansion and Fenian threats encouraged Confederation.
Both increased fears of attack. Joining together could help colonies coordinate defence and share resources.
A merchant says, “A railway would help my business.” Explain two ways it could help.
It could provide year-round transportation and connect the merchant to customers in other colonies. Accept other explained benefits.
A smaller colony says, “We want to cooperate, but we still want control over our own affairs.” Which type of union would address this concern, and why?
A federal union, because it divides power and allows provincial governments to control some of their own affairs.