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Lord Durham was asked to investigate the reason for the rebellions of 1837-38. Lord Durham recommended that Upper and Lower Canada Unite knowing that this would cause the English Canadians to have the upper hand over the French Canadians but the hope was to assimilate the french into English culture. This report played an important role in the confederation as it laid the foundation of discussions that eventually led to confederation.
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Simplified trade between the colonies and Britain by eliminating tariffs on grain. When this law was repealed it forced the colonies into an economic recession. It showed the colonies that they could not rely on Britain to provide support and pushed the colonies to establish a new economic alliance with the U.S. This indirectly led to the confederation because once free trade ended with the U.S. it highlighted the need for unification to strengthen trade agreements.
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Canada East and Canada West contrubuted through a vote of majority but a defined majority did not exist and their votes would cancel each other out which resulted in the French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians left unable to pass bills. Political deadlock contributed to confederation as the only solution they could see to solve the deadlock was unification between colonies.
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A reciprocity treatie was signed which was a free tade agreement between the United States and the Colonies which would allow easier movement and economic growth that would be of equal benefit to both parties. This trade agreement was not renewed because of Britains quiet involvment with the South during the civil war. The dissolution of the trade agreement led to a higher demand on a stregnethened trade bargainship which would be done through confederation.
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The U.S. Civil War occured because the United States was divided on the issue of slavery. Canada was neutral to either side and did not involve themselves in the war. However, Canada needed cotton from the South,The United States to the north seen this as support to the confederacy so the U.S. began threatening Canada with invasion. Canada realized they had very little defense in the event of invasion and a stronger united front was necessary which later led to confederation.
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An alliance between John A. Mcdonald, George Brown, and George-Etienne Cartier. This alliance was formed to end the political deadlock and fought for unification in British North America. The great coalition laid the groundwork for confederation because it was a cooperative effort to build a stronger more unified government. It eventually lead to the dialogue that brought them to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 and following conferences after.
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When a group of confederates raided banks in St. Alban's vermont they escaped across the border to Canada. These men were arrested but then realeased propting threats from the United States to attack Canada and ended free trade. This was another incidient where Canada realized they were not equipped properly for war and confederation would be the answer to their defence issues.
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This was the first meeting regarding confederation in Canada. Delegates from the province of Canada met representatives from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward island to discuss a union between themselves. This directly led to confederation as this was step one and got the ball rolling in direction of a unified Canada.
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Five colonies gathered in Quebec to continue discussions that occured in Charlottetown the month prior. 72 resoultions was born which was the groundwork of our confederation. The decision to create a strong central government and strong provincial governments was made. Parliment was divided into two houses and the crown would remain the head of state. This led directly to confederation as this was the final step prior to being placed before the queen.
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The "Fenian Brotherhood" was a group of Irish patriots living in the United States and wanted Britian to give up their hold on Ireland to restore the country's freedom. Because they could not attack Britain directly, they went after the next best thing which was Canada. A series of irregular attacks had a large effect on the public opinion of confederation- Canadians quickly realized the need for common defense and support increased for confederation.
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This was the last conference held out of three for the movement of confederation. The 72 resolutions were reviewed and agreed apon. This formed the British North American Act and Queen Victoria approved it for Royal Assent. This was the birth of confederation.