Judging Historical Significance Ms. Dow Socials 9
Intro Think about three events that have happened in your life that you think are the most important.
What makes these things important. Do we all agree What makes these things important? Do we all agree? If someone else did this activity would they have the same choices?
Introducing Historical Significance What historical events have happened in your lifetime that you think will be significant to people in the future? What made these events significant? List as many characteristics of a significant event as you can. Recognized at the time as important Brings about a big change (+ and -) Not forgotten today, important for us now.
Causes of Confederation
American Expansionism American Civil War = North fighting against the South regarding independence Britain supported the South North wins and USA remains united, but BNA is worried that the victorious army could march on BNA for revenge on Britain “Manifest Destiny” All NA will be under USA control USA purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 Settlers, trade and the gold rush were crowding Canada’s borders Confederation would protect West BNA from annexation
Fenian Raids on Canada Irish Americans start to attack BNA to anger the British (Britain in control of Ireland) Most attacks are on New Brunswick Colonies are weak on their own Expensive for Britain to protect BNA
Trouble with Trade 1854 Reciprocity Treaty = free trade with the USA in exchange for American access to fishing in the Grand Banks Cancelled in 1865 BNA needs to look out for their own economic well being (maybe they should have more trade between themselves?)
Railways Grand Trunk Railway Connects all colonies to international trade with Halifax’s ice-free port Important for transport of troops Would increase communication, trade and security amongst the colonies Unification would encourage investors (esp. USA)
British Attitudes Little Englanders think Canada is a burden (costing too much $$$) Particularly military actions that were expensive Britain is okay with Canada taking on some of the financial responsibility.
Political Deadlock Too many opinions so no progress was being made Canada West demands “Rep by Pop” but Canada East resists 12 different governments in power in about a year so “Great Coalition” is formed and pushes for Confederation All of these problems lead to little political progress because no changes can be made. Need to compromise/work together
Judging Significance Now decide which of the causes of confederation is the most historically significant Use the criteria for significance to rank the causes #1-6 - #1 being the most important) Don’t forget to justify your rankings and self-assess your graphic organizer Then compose a paragraph defending your #1 choice – demonstrate your knowledge of the cause as well as the criteria for historical significance