Confederation Adv And Disadv Chart June

SS 10: Advantages and Disadvantages of Confederation (revised Cullen 2010) The Confederation Debate raged for many years in Canada. Some people called pro- Confederationists were convinced that a union of all the British North American colonies into one nation was the only sensible long-term plan. Anti-confederationists felt that remaining a British colony was a better approach, while a small group of annexationists wanted to become part of the United States. There were many pros and cons to each position, and people’s viewpoints often reflected their ethnic background, wealth, religion, and age. For this activity, you must classify the following list of factors into either a reason to support Confederation and create the country of Canada or a reason to oppose Confederation. Highlight or underline the advantages of Confederation in one of your favorite colours and mark the disadvantages in a colour you don’t like.
1. Canada East (Quebec) residents might lose their language and culture.
2. The British Navy was the most powerful in the world and would no longer be obligated to defend Canada if it gave up its colonial status.
3. An intercontinental railway would improve trade and transportation.
4. Smaller Maritime businesses wouldn’t be able to compete with larger companies from Canada West (Ontario) and Canada East (Quebec).
5. High intercolonial tariffs (import taxes) were hurting trade. These could be eliminated if the colonies united.
6. A larger, united armed forces would be better able to fend off Fenian attacks.
7. One national government would eliminate the problem of double majority, where Canada West and Canada East often disagreed on proposed legislation and would create political deadlock in the legislature.
8. Prince Edward Island had no need for a railway and but would probably have to contribute money for its construction.
9. One unified country could better defend against American manifest destiny.
10. Due to their small