During the mid-19th century, Canadian politicians and entrepreneurs pushed for the unification of British colonies in North America to address political instability and economic challenges. The urgency grew after the U.S. shifted its political stance, heightening fears of American aggression and trade losses. In 1864, key leaders from Canada West and East sought a federation, culminating in the Charlottetown Conference, where the idea of a broader union was discussed to strengthen economic resilience and security against external threats.
The Push for Union in 19th Century Canada
During the mid-19th century, a growing number of politicians and entrepreneurs began to advocate for the idea that the future of United Canada lay in uniting with other British colonies across North America. Initially, this notion was seen as merely a hopeful dream.
However, by 1864, a shift in the United States’ political stance made this idea seem not just plausible but also urgent, particularly to the more conservative factions.
Political Turmoil and Economic Concerns
At that time, Canada faced significant political and economic instability. The parliamentary landscape was chaotic, primarily due to the influx of multiple political parties. Between 1854 and 1864, no single party was able to secure a majority in the Assembly, leading to a continuous cycle of minority governments. Over this decade, ten different governments came to power, with one lasting a mere three days. This instability created an environment where sustainable development strategies were nearly impossible to implement.
This decade of unrest sparked discussions about the need for a constitutional overhaul. Drawing inspiration from our southern neighbors, the idea of forming a federation with other British colonies became increasingly popular. The neighboring colonies in question included New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and the newly established British Columbia, created in 1858 in response to the Fraser Canyon gold rush.
In 1864, prominent leaders from Canada West, including George Brown and John A. Macdonald, formed a coalition with George-Étienne Cartier, leader of the Blue Party from Canada East, to promote the confederation initiative. Their goal was to create a political system that would be more stable, representative, and economically independent from the United States.
As events unfolded, the looming threat of the United States ending the Canada-U.S. Reciprocity Treaty—an agreement that had bolstered both economies since 1854—heightened fears. This treaty was ultimately not renewed in 1866, making the proposal to unite the British colonies an attractive option to combat potential declines in exports.
Moreover, the Civil War in the U.S. exacerbated tensions between London and Washington, with the Americans threatening to invade United Canada due to British trade with the Southern states during the conflict. This historical context left Canadians feeling vulnerable between two military powers, especially given their memories of past invasions in 1775 and 1812.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Fenians, Irish nationalists opposed to British rule, attempted to invade United Canada in the 1860s as part of their strategy to leverage Canada in negotiations for Irish independence. The American westward expansion further complicated territorial matters, as it disregarded the boundaries of Rupert’s Land. Compounding these concerns, Great Britain began reducing its military budget, prompting Canada to establish its own army for border protection. Thus, the idea of uniting with other British colonies appeared increasingly attractive for financing this military effort.
The Charlottetown Conference of 1864
Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, the Canadian coalition of Brown, Macdonald, and Cartier was invited as observers to a political gathering among the Maritime colonies in Charlottetown in September 1864. The primary focus was on exploring the idea of a union, albeit limited to the Atlantic colonies initially.
Representatives from United Canada set sail on the steamship Queen Victoria, equipped with crates of fine champagne to foster a conducive atmosphere. They aimed to integrate into the emerging Maritime union and knew that creating a light-hearted mood would be essential to their mission.
Upon arrival, they quickly transitioned from observers to active participants, presenting their vision for a broader union that would enhance economic strength against the United States. They emphasized the necessity of establishing an efficient railway network to connect the various territories.
Consensus was reached that any potential union would be federal, and the Charlottetown meeting concluded with George-Étienne Cartier inviting all delegates to gather in Quebec City the following month. The urgency of the situation was palpable, and delegates were encouraged to bring their families along. Although some hesitated, the growing threat from the Americans increasingly urged them to consider a new economic future independent of external influence.