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Why did the British colonists feel that there was a threat of American expansion?
Advocates of Manifest Destiny believed that the colonies could be easily absorbed into an American system. Many in British North America wanted to expand into the territories to the west and north. (See also Rupert’s Land.) This would reduce the chances that these regions would be annexed by the United States.
Why did Canada East and West want confederation?
They finally agreed to confederation in 1867 because Canada East would remain a territorial and governmental unit (as Quebec) in which French Canadians would have an assured electoral majority and thus be able to at least partly control their own affairs. …
What is Britain’s current role in Canadian politics?
Though Canada is an independent country, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth remains the nation’s head of state. The Queen does not play an active role in Canadian politics, and her powers are mostly symbolic. In recent years, Canadians have become more critical of the monarchy and often debate its future.
What were three reasons why America wanted to defeat the British in Canada?
Causes of the war included British attempts to restrict U.S. trade, the Royal Navy’s impressment of American seamen and America’s desire to expand its territory.
Why did Canada want to expand West?
If Canada were to compete with the U.S., it would also need to expand westward, acquire further lands for colonization, settlement, markets and resources – and perhaps most importantly, access to the Pacific Ocean. This necessitated union with British Columbia.
How did Confederation benefit Canada?
Confederation would create new markets, make the railway companies more profitable and help people enter the territory to settle land in the West. Confederation would allow better military protection against the Americans and others.
How did Canada East feel about Confederation?
Antoine-Aimé Dorion, the Liberal leader in Canada East, opposed Confederation on the grounds that including the Maritime colonies would increase the financial burden on the Province of Canada, and that it could jeopardize the independence of each province. He wanted citizens with the franchise to vote on the issue.