Evaluate the arguments used to oppose Canadian Confederation.

Candidates are required to appraise the many objections by various Canadians to Confederation. They may include opposition arguments from the Maritimes, French Canadians, farmers in West Canada and from British Columbia.

Indicative content

• The concerns of individual groups varied but included fear of increased taxation by a central government and the loss of political control to a larger national government.
• Other arguments could include the lack of a popular vote, forced support for a trans-Canadian Railway, a concern that the Maritimes would be a financial burden, and fear that local needs would be ignored by national government.
• French Canadians and other groups were fearful of losing their cultural differences or of being discriminated against because of them.
• British Columbia felt far removed from the rest of Canada and saw little need for joining.
• Anti-confederation positions in the Maritimes could include Joseph Howe’s Brotherton Letters, Prince Edward Island’s concern about funding projects that would have no benefit for them and Newfoundland’s refusal to join. Candidates might also include a fear of the Maritimes in losing their ties to the United Kingdom.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]