“The Durham Report was successful in resolving political discontent in Canada.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Durham Report was successful in resolving political discontent in Canada. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the rebellions of 1837 that led to the Durham report, the success in achieving unification of Upper and Lower Canada, and the acceptance of Durham’s call for responsible government. Candidates may contest the success of the report based on the long delay in the extension of self-government to the colonies or Durham’s call for assimilation of French-Canadians which was in conflict with his advocacy of local self-government. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the argument that the role of British and colonial reformers was a significant factor in both the advancement and the delay of responsible government, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Durham Report was successful in resolving political discontent in Canada. This did produce a few essays of sound content that generally supported the efficacy of the report and its impact.