History - Unit 1: Confederation
The Confederation Debate
With corrupted voting, defense concerns, the economy in jeopardy, and political deadlock in the developing county of Canada,
changes needed to be made. As George Brown said, “Party alliances are one thing, and the interests of my country are
another.” The country needed to come together and leave their differences aside, but not all residents of the new country
were excited about Confederation.
*The Maritimers (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.)
*John A. Macdonald (Canada West)
* George Brown (Canada West)
*George Etienne Cartier (Canada East)
*The Prairies & British Columbia
Each student will participate in a debate outlining what he or she believes should happen in regards to Confederation. The
students should each have at least one good point to add to the debate over whether or not their part of the country should
join in Confederation to form the great nation of Canada.
Category
Level 1
Level 2
Understanding
-I can show an
understanding of my
character’s perspective
and what life was like in
Canada in 1860 (family
life, economic, social life
etc.)
-Shows a limited
understanding of life
in Canada in 1860 and
his/her character’s
perspective.
-Shows some
understanding of life in
Canada in 1860 and
his/her character’s
perspective.
-Shows a good
understanding of life in
Canada in 1860 and
his/her character’s
perspective.
-Shows a thorough
understanding of life in
Canada in 1860 and
his/her character’s
perspective.
________________
_________________
_________________
_________________
Communication
-I can use historical
terms to explain my
thinking (e.g., Canada
-Uses very few
historical terms when
explaining his/her
ideas during the
Confederation
debate.
-Uses some basic
historical terms when
explaining his/her
ideas during the
Confederation debate.
-Uses good historical
terms when
communicating his/her
thinking during the
Confederation debate.
-Uses excellent
historical terms to
communicate his/her
thinking precisely
during the
Confederation debate.
East/West, Industrialization,
Manifest Destiny, etc.)
Level 3
Level 4
History - Unit 1: Confederation
The Confederation Debate – PlanningWorksheet
Evidence that SUPPORTS
(3-4 Pts. For Each Colony)
Colonies of BNA
Maritimers
(Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick & P.E.I.)
Canada West
(English
Speaking –
Ontario Today)
Evidence that OPPOSES
(3-4 Pts. For Each Colony)
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Canada East
(French Speaking
– Quebec Today) -
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Western Canada (Prairies &
British Columbia) -
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DECISION
(Agree to Join Canada/
Against Confederation)
REASONS
(1-2 Pts. For Each
Colony)
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