Confederation in Nova Scotia to 1870

Abstract

As early as the period after the American Revolution, proposals had been made for the union of the British North American Colonies. The main purpose of the early proposals was to retain Colonies for Britain and prevent the spread of republicanism and democracy. Later, although these ideas were never lost from view and always played an important part, other reasons for union were brought forward. It was claimed that union would bring intercolonial free trade, an intercolonial railway, uniformity of currency, government efficiency and above all would provide for efficient mutual defence. The idea of nationality was also evoked. These proposals resulted in wider discussion of union but other forces were needed to bring the subject into practical politics.