Confederation of Canada

It all began with the rebellions of 1837-1838, when discontent citizens of Canada were tired of the oppression brought upon by the ruling classes, Family Compact and Château Clique. After trying to change their “irresponsible government” and failing to do so, frustration turned to fury, their patience waning thin, and reformers took arms against the government. These rebellions were drastic actions taken because reformers wanted political reform in the Colonies, limiting the power of the oligarchies by making them responsible to elected representatives. The rebellions were, sadly, a failure and many reformers died. They failed to last long because the rebels were ill-prepared, lacked popular support and were badly led. However, the citizens of Canada now rejected the idea of using violence and sought to seek reforms by taking part in the government. They were content to use peaceful, constitutional means to achieve political ends. The rebellions had made the British government more aware of the situations in Canada, thus asking Lord Durham to head a commission of inquiry into the rebellions while also making recommendations for the future of the Canadas. This was eventually accomplished with a report regarding the union of the Canadas. Although responsible government was still not a possibility, the Act of Union that Durham proposed was accepted. This would combine the two colonies, Upper and Lower Canada into Canada West and East. The British minority in Lower Canada were in favor of the Act and the Tory-dominated Assembly also gave their approval. However, the Canadiens were not so pleased and opposed the Act of Union. Although their disapproval was evident, in February 1841, the Act of Union proceeded as planned. Now, only one government would govern over the Canadas. This created an opportunity for the reformers in Canada West and East to work together to achieve responsible government. Learning from their predecessors, the reformers strived for political