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Union of the Canadas |
Stalemate |
Responsible Government |
Elgin Report |
Responsible Government Maritimes |
Newfoundland |
Barkerville
The evolution of the Canada's (upper and
lower) political system took on many of the aspects of
the British Parliamentary structure with responsible
government as an accepted component. The union of these
two colonies was the first concrete step towards a
larger British North American Union and was also viewed
as a potential solution to the French population issue
in Lower Canada.
This was also a period of rapid growth
on the west coast of North America of the colony of
Vancouver Island and British Columbia. Gold had been
discovered at Barkerville and the prospector poured in,
especially the Americans who had exhausted the
California gold fields. The containment of American
ambitions and consolidation of British authority
remained a focal point of colonial policy and
challenges. In many ways this was a period or real
preparation for nationhood and served as a breeding
ground for a profession, experienced class of politician
ready to not only administer but to govern and lead. |
