New Brunswick's Confederation Hesitation

New Brunswick was initially hesitant to join the Canadian Confederation, despite becoming one of its founding members on July 1, 1867. The province had various reasons for its reluctance, including economic and political stability concerns, as well as the desire to protect itself from potential attacks and capture by the United States. Additionally, New Brunswickers were worried about tightened competition with America, and merchants feared higher taxes and tougher trade competition.

Fear of US expansion

New Brunswick was wary of joining the Canadian Confederation due to fears of US expansionism. The province was concerned about the possibility of being invaded and annexed by the United States, which had a history of expansionist policies and had expressed interest in British North America. This fear was heightened by the American Civil War and the Fenian disturbances along the border. The Fenians, a group of pro-Irish American Civil War veterans, attacked Campobello Island in New Brunswick in 1866, fuelling the province's sense of insecurity.

New Brunswick also faced economic concerns related to US expansion. The province had a strong economy based on timber and shipbuilding industries, which could be threatened by American competition. Additionally, there were worries about higher taxes and trade barriers that might result from joining the Confederation, impacting their ability to trade with the United States.

The potential loss of political power was another factor influencing New Brunswick's hesitation to join the Confederation. The province valued its autonomy and was reluctant to give up control to a central federal government. This was a common concern among opponents of Confederation in Eastern Canada, who feared a loss of provincial power.

Furthermore, New Brunswick had a history of conflict with the United States, dating back to the American Revolutionary War. The province had also experienced population growth and economic development, which made them less inclined to join a union that might restrict their prosperity. They had established strong trade links with the United States and were concerned about losing their power as a small province if they cut those ties.

Overall, the fear of US expansionism played a significant role in New Brunswick's initial reluctance to join the Canadian Confederation. It was only after careful consideration and the realisation of potential benefits, such as increased security and economic opportunities, that New Brunswick eventually voted in favour of Confederation in 1866.

Economic benefits of a larger market

New Brunswick joined the Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867, becoming one of the founding members of the Dominion of Canada. While the province was initially hesitant to join, there were several economic benefits that influenced its decision to become part of the Confederation. Here are some paragraphs discussing the economic advantages of a larger market for New Brunswick:

New Brunswick's decision to join the Canadian Confederation was driven by various economic factors, including the need for economic stability and the desire to boost international trade. As a small province, New Brunswick recognized the potential advantages of a wider domestic market. By joining the Confederation, New Brunswick gained access to a larger national market, facilitating trade and economic growth. This increased market access provided opportunities for New Brunswick to expand its maritime exports, ship masts, and shipbuilding expertise beyond its borders.

One of the primary economic benefits that influenced New Brunswick's decision to join the Confederation was the prospect of enhanced trade and commerce. As a single province, New Brunswick had limited negotiating power and faced challenges in competing with larger markets. However, by uniting with other provinces, they could collectively negotiate better trade deals and gain access to a broader customer base. This would lead to increased economic activity and prosperity for the province.

The formation of a united nation also brought the promise of a national railway system, which was a significant incentive for New Brunswick. The Intercolonial Railway, completed in 1876, connected New Brunswick to the rest of the country, improving transportation and trade routes. This enhanced connectivity not only facilitated the movement of goods and services but also opened up new markets for New Brunswick's products, making it easier for them to reach consumers across the country.

Another economic advantage of a larger market for New Brunswick was the potential for resource sharing and collaboration. By joining the Confederation, New Brunswick gained access to resources and products that were not readily available within its borders. For example, certain agricultural products or raw materials could be sourced from other provinces, benefiting New Brunswick's industries and consumers. This resource sharing would lead to cost savings and a more diverse range of goods available to New Brunswickers.

Additionally, the Confederation provided New Brunswick with economic stability and protection from external threats. The province was concerned about potential attacks and capture by the United States, which had expressed interest in expanding northward. By joining the Confederation, New Brunswick gained the collective security of a united nation, deterring potential invaders and ensuring the province's economic well-being. This sense of security and stability was crucial for attracting investments and fostering long-term economic growth.

In summary, New Brunswick's decision to join the Canadian Confederation was influenced by the economic benefits of a larger market. The province recognized the advantages of increased market access, enhanced trade opportunities, resource sharing, and economic stability. By uniting with other provinces, New Brunswick was able to strengthen its economic position, improve its negotiating power, and protect its interests in the face of external threats. These factors ultimately contributed to the province's decision to become a founding member of the Dominion of Canada.

Protection from Fenian Raiders

New Brunswick joined the Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867, becoming one of the founding members of the Dominion of Canada. One of the reasons for joining was the need for protection from the Fenian Raiders, a group of pro-Irish American Civil War veterans.

The Fenian Raiders wanted to capture Canadian territory and use it to stage an invasion of Ireland. In 1866, they attacked Campobello Island in New Brunswick. The attack was unsuccessful, but it fuelled New Brunswick's sense of insecurity and increased support for Confederation. The province felt vulnerable to attack and feared being annexed by the United States.

The Fenian Raids were a series of incursions carried out by the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish republican organisation based in the United States. These raids targeted military fortifications, customs posts, and other targets in Canada, which was then part of British North America. The raids were intended to pressure the British government to withdraw from Ireland, although none of them ultimately achieved their aims.

The threat of the Fenian Raids and the perceived insecurity of New Brunswick contributed to the province's decision to join the Canadian Confederation. The idea of a united nation of Canada offered greater security against possible American expansionism and provided a collective security that made Confederation more appealing to the Maritime provinces, including New Brunswick.

Additionally, the construction of a national railway connecting the provinces was proposed as part of the Confederation. This railway would not only improve trade and transportation but could also facilitate the movement of troops and resources in the event of an attack, providing further protection for New Brunswick and the other provinces.

In conclusion, the Fenian Raids and the resulting sense of insecurity played a significant role in shifting the momentum towards Confederation in New Brunswick. The province's desire for protection from the Fenian Raiders, coupled with the proposed benefits of a united nation, led to its decision to join the Canadian Confederation.

Population growth

New Brunswick's population has been steadily growing since the 1850s. In 1867, when the province joined the Canadian Confederation, its population was 270,000. By 1860, the United States of America threatened to expand north, which raised concerns that New Brunswick, along with Nova Scotia and PEI, would be integrated into the New England states. This fear of attack and desire to flourish economically played a role in New Brunswick's decision to join the Confederation.

The discovery of gold in New Brunswick also contributed to population growth. The Klondike gold rush attracted many Americans to the area, leading to a rapid increase in population. The influx of people further fuelled the desire for self-governance and protection from potential American invasion.

In the 1850s, New Brunswick experienced large-scale immigration from Ireland and Scotland. This immigration trend continued, and by 2006, the population of New Brunswick was estimated to be 729,997, with the majority being English-speaking and a substantial French-speaking minority, mostly of Acadian origin. The population continued to grow, reaching 747,101 in 2016 and an estimated 761,214 in 2018. As of 2021, the population was recorded as 775,610, and it is estimated to have surpassed 800,000 in March 2022.

The population growth in New Brunswick has been influenced by various factors, including historical events, economic opportunities, and immigration trends. The province's strong economy, based on industries like timber, shipbuilding, agriculture, and tourism, has likely contributed to its population growth over time.

Railway construction

At the time, New Brunswick, East and West Canada, and Nova Scotia had developed a common railway, but operating this railway was challenging due to the lack of a unified federation. Joining the confederation would allow for more efficient management and expansion of the railway network.

The construction of intercolonial railways was a significant topic of discussion during the Confederation conferences in 1864. Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick made it clear that their participation in the confederation was dependent on the construction of these railways. They emphasised the economic and strategic advantages that improved rail connections would bring.

The Intercolonial Railway, Canada's first national infrastructure project, began construction shortly after Confederation in 1867. By the mid-1870s, rail lines connected several cities, resources, and ports, facilitating trade and transportation. The completion of the Intercolonial Railway in 1876 linked New Brunswick with the rest of the country, providing a significant boost to the province's economy and connectivity.

In addition to the Intercolonial Railway, other railway companies, such as the New Brunswick Railway Company Limited (NBR), played a role in New Brunswick's railway development. The construction and expansion of railway lines in the province continued well into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, further solidifying New Brunswick's transportation infrastructure.

Overall, the promise and potential of railway construction were significant factors in New Brunswick's decision to join the Canadian Confederation, as it addressed their need for improved transportation, trade, and economic development.

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