The Pros And Cons Of The Unity Of British North America

The uniting of the British colonies to form Canada was an event of great uncertainty as the opinions on the topic drastically differed. Although the settlers had similar beginnings in the lands, they now called home, the differences of culture, language and customs remained. The proximity of the lands did not translate in the people. Issues with the Canadian identity still exist which is evident in the strong views of many that live in Quebec. It can be argued that placing varying groups of people in the same nation can be cause for divide and may weaken feelings of nationalism. A strong contradictory viewpoint is that a nation can thrive if there are multitudes of perspectives and if they are able to understand their differences and accept

If all of these equally different people were put as one nation, there would be loss of one's own power and identity. Hon. Antoine Aimé Dorion believed that the joining of the provinces was an unnecessary act that would only strip the provinces from governing their own and would cause the intervention of the General Government in affairs that the provinces had already been handling on their own. Furthermore, Hon. Antoine Aimé Dorion’s argued that although this union would strengthen their defenses, it would also alarm the United States of America as they would wonder if the Canadians were getting ready for an opportunity of conflict, Hon. Antoine Aimé Dorion believed “[t]he best thing that Canada can do is keep quiet and give no reason for war”. In his point of view the defenses each province already had were enough as strengthened defenses would raise tensions and motivations for conflict. The decision of joining Canada was one rejected by many living in Newfoundland working as traders, fisherman, and merchants. Their explanation of this decision was that they would lose all the “privileges of self-government and local legislation, the imposition and appropriation of duties and taxes”. They would not have the same control over their province that they currently had. The livelihoods of many were thriving under the governing of

This type of power was necessary as British North America faced the threat of the United States of America taking over. This was recognized by Sir Etienne-Pascal Taché, as he explained that tensions with the United States were high and that they were “threatened with the abolition of the transit system; then the Reciprocity Treaty was to be discontinued; then a passport system was inaugurated”. There were clear conflicts with their neighbors that would affect much of their trade and economic status. Furthermore, Sir Etienne-Pascal Taché believed that if British North America wished to keep their ties with the British monarchy and overall keep their British identity the merging of British North America was necessary. Additionally, becoming one nation would allow for great economic growth. Hon. George Brown explained how the union of Canada “will throw down the barriers of trade and give [them] the control of a market of four millions of people”. The example of United States success in trading was an influence in instilling this idea. If trade became a simple endeavor material would be transported across the nation at greater rates allowing for substantial