The American Civil War was the springboard for confederation. It showed the few hundreds of thousands of people north of the union what might happen to them if the States got it in their mind to expand north. Most of them were loyal to the English crown and wanted to remain subjects of the king. After the civil war, many feared the victorious union army would be used for northern expansion. Something on an international level needed to be done first. A conference was held in London, England, in December, 1866, chaired by Sir John A. MacDonald and attended by some of the leading Fathers of Confederation. In London, Confederation was given its final form and the name "Dominion of Canada" was chosen for the new nation.

The British North America Act received royal assent March 29, 1867. It was to come into effect on July 1. Sir John was to become the prime minister. He was to choose four cabinet members from Canada West (Ontario), four from Canada East (Quebec), and two each from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Canada could now proceed to build its continent-wide future. On July 1, 133 years ago, the new Dominion was busy celebrating confederation -- church bells pealed, 21-gun salutes were fired, and steamer cruises, picnics and fireworks continued well into the night. A new nation was officially born. Happy Canada Day!!!

Author...Gest, A permanent resident of Canada
Please visit his page GEST HOME