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Thornton Blackburn and his family
The railways provided new opportunities for immigrants moving to the cities of Canada West. They escaped slavery in the US and came to Canada West after slavery was outlawed in 1833. They were able to earn enough money to set up their own business. -
The Underground Railroad
Slavery became illegal in BNA in 1833, even though it was still legal in the southern part of the US. To help black slaves, the Underground Railroad formed. It was a secret network of people and safe housing. -
The Development of French Nationalism
When the "Act of Union" joined Upper and Lower Canada into one colony called the Province of Canada, the government was dominated by English politicians. They wanted to assimilate French people, as well as remove the French language altogether. Many Canadiens attempted to fight back against this attempt. -
Children banned from working in Britain
Britain banned boys under the age of 10 and all girls to work in mines, deeming it too dangerous. Though BNA did not have rules like this, sending kids as young as 7 to work. -
Impact of Farming on First Nations
By the 1850s, most First Nations developed European styles of agriculture. However, new immigrants and companies wanted the last bit of fertile land. The government refused to acknowledge that the First Nations had ownership of the land. The Credit River Mississauga left their farmland. -
Colonization of the Pacific Coast
British Columbia became a British colony in 1849. The first governor designated to this colony is James Douglas. He offered First Nations an Aboriginal title to some of the island. This meant that the land was First Nations territory. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The US passed a law that gave slave owners the right to recapture escaping slaves. This law was also in places where slavery was illegal. This caused 30000-40000 people to flee to BNA through the Underground Railroad. -
The Marco Polo makes a record breaking trip
The ship "The Marco Polo" was a record breaking ship, and one of the fastest in history. -
First Nations loss of land
In the Atlantic Colonies, the First Nations signed peace treaties with the British government. These treaties allowed them to hunt and fish throughout the area and live in peace. But as the immigrants from Europe and the US continues to arrive, the government stopped caring about the First Nations as much. They rarely offered jobs to them. Some earned a living by harvesting maple syrup to sell, as well as berries and other produce. -
Britain and the US sign the Reciprocity Treaty
The US and Britain sign an agreement allowing free trade between countries with no taxes. The meant any agricultural products and natural resources traded between BNA and the US had no tax. Trades to the US increased after this treaty was signed. -
Joseph Salter elected mayor
Joseph Salter, a successful businessman and politician was elected mayor of the town Moncton. -
The Impact of the Fraser River for First Nations
In 1858, gold was discovered in New Caledonia. James Douglas declared New Caledonia a British colony to prevent Americans from taking it, and the territory was named British Columbia. Within a few months, non Aboriginal population grew to over 30000 people as people came from US, Europe, BNA, and more looking for gold. -
Irish People Arriving to Canada West
Between the years of 1840 and 1860, the population of Canada west tripled. Irish people started arriving in very large numbers that they became the biggest ethnic group in Canada West. -
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Defence Costs to Britain
In the 1860s, Britain helped the colonies in BNA from the possible takeover by the Fenians, as well as the threats posed by the American annexation. In 1862, Britain sent over 10000 troops to BNA to defend it from any dangers caused by the American Civil War -
The American Civil War
The American Civil War was fought between northern and southern states. The war created increased demand for natural resources and agricultural products from the Atlantic colonies. -
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The American Civil War
From 1861-1865, the US was part of a civil war. A number of southern states wanted to break away from the US. The reason for this movement is because of a disagreement about slavery. Though most of the northern states had made slavery illegal, the southern relied on slaves for their economic growth. These states attempted to form a seperate nation were slavery would be legal. -
A Land Divided
In 1864, The Hudsons Bay Company was trying to sell its interests in Ruperts and the North-Western Territory. This is because of the steep decline in fur trade. -
A Possible Maritime Union
In 1864, leaders from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI met to discuss the union of their three provinces at the Charlottetown Conference. -
The Charlottetown Conference
The representatives from Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick were planning to meet to discuss a Maritime union. When the news of the meeting reached the Province of Canada, John A. Mcdonald and other Confederation leaders requested to attend.The meeting was held in Charlottetown, PEI. -
The Quebec Conference
By the end of Charlottetown Conference, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI decided against the idea of a maritime union. Instead began to consider a union with the Province of Canada. The second conference was held in October 1864 in Quebec City. -
Outcome of the Quebec Conference
The outcome of the Quebec conference is that The Province of Canda, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia agreed to join Confederation. PEI and Newfoundland weren't convinced the union was in their best interests. -
The Effects of the American Civil War
In the year of 1865, the war ended, as well as the Reciprocity Treaty. This caused Americans to heavily tax their goods. As a result, people in Atlanic colonies lost a lot of value in their products -
Fur Trade Decline and First Nations Famine
By the time Confederation was being considered, the fur trade was on a very big decline. Most bison were disappearing, and the First Nations were dealing with food shortages and new diseases brought over by settlers -
Inclusion of the Pacific Coast
The end of the gold rush brought economical decrease to the Pacific Coast. In 1866, the British government imposed a union on the colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia to help improve their situation. The union lacked a government responsible to the people due to the fact that it consisted of appointed officials. -
The US Purchases Alaska
Russia came to the US with an offer to sell Alaska to them. The US bought it for $7.2 million in 1867. -
The Dominion of Canada
July 1, 1867, became known as Dominion Day. John A. Macdonald was appointed prime minister on that day and was elected a month later. Queen Victoria knighted him for this role in forming the new dominion.