The Act of Union
1840 -1841
What is the Act of Union?
Eventually, both Canadas agreed to the Act. It was passed on July 1840 by the British government, and proclaimed on February 10, 1841 in Montreal, Quebec. Canada was officially one country.
The Act of Union was a significant event in Canada's history, because it was how Canada became one country. Some other significant historical events in Canadian history is the Great Migration from 1815-1850, the Royal Proclamation of 1763, and the First Canadian Railway built in 1836.
The Durham Report
- He suggested greater colonial self-government.
- He proposed that the governor chooses his own advisers, and goes by the wishes of the selected representatives.
- A union of Upper and Lower Canada; it would make a larger union of all British North America, and will cause the French Canadians to assimilate, which was necessary.
The "Act"
Even though it was a bit unfair, both Canadas agreed to work under the Act, because of influence of the united Reform party. It was led by leaders from both Canadas--Louis Lafontaine from Canada East and Robert Baldwin from Canada West.
The Act of Union united Upper & Lower Canada under one government, creating the "Province of Canada."
The Result
Lord Durham's report and suggestion to unite the two Canadas had been successful. The Act of Union was proclaimed on February 10, 1841 in Montreal, Quebec, and passed in July 1840 by the British parliament. It had started a new era of history, and led to a wider union of British North America. The effects were permanent, and to this day, Canada is still united as one, and still will be in the future.
References
"Act of Union 1840." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 May 2014. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.
"Act of Union." The Canadian Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.
"The Historical Process of Canadian Confederation." The Historical Process of Canadian Confederation. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.