Canadian Confederation

Canadian Confederation, or the Confederation of Canada, was the process that ultimately brought together a union among the provinces, colonies and territories of British North America to form the Dominion of Canada, a dominion of the British Empire, which today is the federal nation state called Canada.

Early projects

The idea of a legislative union of all British colonies in America goes back to at least 1754, when the Albany Congress was held, preceding the Continental Congress of 1774. At least twelve other projects followed.

Related Topics:
1754 - Albany Congress - Continental Congress - 1774

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The idea was revived in 1839 by Lord Durham in his Report on the Affairs of British North America. A federation project was proposed to John A. Roebuck before Durham's mission to Canada.

Related Topics:
1839 - Lord Durham - Report on the Affairs of British North America - John A. Roebuck

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In 1857, Joseph-Charles Taché proposed a federation in the Courrier du Canada.

Related Topics:
1857 - Joseph-Charles Taché

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In 1858, Alexander Tilloch Galt, George-Étienne Cartier and John Ross travelled to Great Britain to present the British Parliament with a project for federation of the British colonies. The proposal was received by the London authorities with polite indifference.

Related Topics:
1858 - Alexander Tilloch Galt - George-Étienne Cartier - John Ross

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By 1864, it was clear that continued governance of the Province of Canada under the terms of the 1840 Act of Union had become impracticable. Therefore, a Great Coalition of parties formed in order to reform the political system.

Related Topics:
1864 - Province of Canada - 1840 - Act of Union - Great Coalition

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