Responsible Government

1. Where does responsible government

come from?

2. What does responsible government

mean?

3. Why was responsible government

granted?

Historical Origins of Responsible Government

British dilemma: How to organize the colonies? Quebec Act 1774 accepts French reality:

Freedom to practice Catholicism Catholics may hold office ... but also direct rule by London via local governor

Constitutional Act 1791 is British response to American Revolution

Extends British institutions & constitution to British North America

Self-government ... in theory

“Irresponsible Government” in The Canadas: 1791-1841

Legislative Council

(Appointed)

Legislative Assembly

(Elected)

Executive Council

(Advisory)

Governor General

Executive Council ; carries out Governor’s instructions & advises Governor (who may ignore their advice)

British Reaction to Rebellions

1. Force not feasible2. Lesson of U.S. Revolution: bend, don’t

break Policy of harmony

3. Durham Report: Responsible Government Assimilation: Act of Union 1840

What Does Responsible Government Mean?

This term specifically meant the policy that British-appointed governors should bow to the will of elected colonial assemblies.

Responsible Government in Canada

Legislative Council

(Appointed) Legislative Assembly

(Elected)

Executive Council

Governor General

Executive Council ; can remain in office only as long as it had the support of Legislative Assembly

Why the British Granted Responsible Government

British policy ends mercantilism moves towards free trade.

Example, repeal of Corn Laws in 1846 by Britain, temporarily hurts Canadian wheat producers who had preferential tariff rates under the Corn Laws.

Reciprocity Treaty with U.S. in 1854, North-South vs atlantic

Once the British Empire adopted a policy of free trade, there was less reason to control the internal politics of its most developed colonies (white settled colonies).

Shift to New Imperialism

Rudyard Kipling’s “White Man’s Burden” and the “Civilizing Mission”

Opium Wars 1839-1840, 1856-1860 British Raj after Indian Mutiny of 1857 Scramble for Africa, 1875 onwards

Nova Scotia is the First

The first instance of responsible government in the British Empire was achieved by the colony of Nova Scotia in January–February 1848 through the efforts of Joseph Howe.

New Brunswick was next in May 1848 PEI in 1851 Newfoundland in 1855

Responsible Government in the Canadas

LaFontaine and Baldwin formed a government in 1842 but resigned in 1843. In 1848 LaFontaine was asked by Queen Victoria to form the first administration under the new policy of responsible government

Lafontaine passed bills to abolish the tenure seigneuriale (seigneurial system) and grant amnesty to the leaders of the rebellions in Lower Canada who had been exiled

Why were the Reformers able to achieve responsible

government? Cooperation between Baldwin and LaFontaine

showed English and French Canada could get along

British Empire moving towards Laissez-faire, free trade, no more mercantilism, less control over colonies, not exploitative (for white-settled colonies only)