New Brunswick: Canada's Or Usa's?

New Brunswick is not part of the USA because it was a British colony. In 1784, the western portions of Nova Scotia were severed to form the new colony of New Brunswick, partly in response to the influx of Loyalists who settled in British North America after the American Revolutionary War. New Brunswick was one of the four original provinces of Canada that entered into Confederation in 1867.

New Brunswick was part of Nova Scotia until 1784

The history of New Brunswick prior to 1784 is marked by colonisation and conflict between European powers. French explorers arrived in the region during the 16th century and began settling it as part of the colony of Acadia in the following century. In 1713, the French surrendered their claim to Nova Scotia, leading to an influx of Acadian refugees into the region. During the early 18th century, the region was under British rule, and many Acadians were forcibly expelled by the British during the Seven Years' War. The conflict also resulted in the French ceding their remaining claims to continental North America, including present-day New Brunswick, to the British.

The establishment of New Brunswick as a separate colony from Nova Scotia had significant implications for the region's history and development. It led to the arrival of Loyalist refugees, who received land allocations and established settlements such as Saint John, which became Canada's first incorporated city. The creation of New Brunswick also had economic consequences, particularly for the timber and shipbuilding industries, as the new colony sought to foster its own economic development.

The American Revolution's impact on the region

The American Revolution had a direct impact on the region of New Brunswick, which was then a part of Nova Scotia. The conflict saw several battles and skirmishes occur in the area, including the Maugerville Rebellion (1776), the Battle of Fort Cumberland, the Siege of Saint John (1777), and the Battle at Miramichi (1779).

Initially, there was ambivalence in Nova Scotia (including present-day New Brunswick) over whether the colony should join the Americans in the war against Britain. Many Nova Scotians were New England-born and sympathetic to the American Patriots. However, as the war progressed, American privateer raids on Nova Scotian villages and shipping turned public sentiment against the Patriots. The British military presence in the region, judicial prosecution by the colonial government, and the efforts of Reverend Henry Alline also contributed to solidifying support for the British among the population.

The American Revolution also led to a significant population shift in the region. Some Nova Scotians, particularly those with sympathies for the Patriot cause, went south to serve in the Continental Army. After the war, these individuals were granted land in the Refugee Tract in Ohio.

In contrast, approximately 80,000 Loyalists left the newly formed United States and settled in British North America, with about half of them moving to the Maritimes, including the newly created colony of New Brunswick. The influx of Loyalists, combined with the earlier arrival of American settlers in the region, contributed to significant population growth in New Brunswick following the American Revolution. The Loyalist migration had a lasting impact on the formation of a unique "Canadian" identity, distinct from that of the United States, France, or Britain.

The Revolution also had political repercussions in the region. The arrival of Loyalist refugees and their desire to separate from Nova Scotia due to ideological differences led to the creation of the colony of New Brunswick in 1784. The need to politically organize the territory and accommodate the Loyalist settlers was a driving factor in this decision.

The influx of Loyalists after the war

The American Revolutionary War had a direct effect on the New Brunswick region, with several conflicts occurring in the area, including the Maugerville Rebellion (1776), the Battle of Fort Cumberland, the Siege of Saint John (1777), and the Battle at Miramichi (1779). However, significant population growth in New Brunswick would not occur until after the war, when Britain convinced refugee Loyalists from New England to settle in the area by giving them free land.

The first group of Loyalists, also known as United Empire Loyalists or Tories, arrived in Parrtown (now Saint John), Nova Scotia (now New Brunswick), on May 18, 1783, a few months before the Treaty of Paris officially ended the war. Most of these refugees came from New York, which had been under royal control for most of the War for Independence. These Loyalists had been dispossessed of their land and belongings by the victorious Patriots due to their continued support for the British King. In exchange for their service to the Crown, the British provided them with land grants, supplies, and compensation for their war losses.

The arrival of the Loyalists in Parrtown created a need for political organisation in the territory. The newly arrived Loyalists felt no allegiance to Halifax and wanted to separate from Nova Scotia to isolate themselves from what they perceived as democratic and republican influences in that city. They viewed the government of Nova Scotia as representing a Yankee population sympathetic to the American Revolutionary movement and disparaged the intensely anti-American, anti-republican attitudes of the Loyalists. The Loyalists' negative perception of the Halifax establishment and their desire for separation helped sow the seeds for the partition of the colony.

The influx of Loyalist refugees, along with the previous arrival of Acadian refugees, spurred the creation of the new colony of New Brunswick in 1784. The western portions of Nova Scotia were severed to form New Brunswick, partly in response to the influx of Loyalists settling in British North America after the American Revolutionary War. The Loyalists' settlements at Parrtown and Carleton, with a combined population of approximately 14,000 people, became British North America's first incorporated city, known as the City of Saint John, in 1785.

The Loyalist migration to Canada had a lasting impact on the formation of a unique "Canadian" identity, separate from that of France, Britain, or America. The Loyalists carried traditions of slavery with them to New Brunswick, and many brought slaves when they left the American colonies. While slavery was legally abolished in the colony by the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, public opinion had started to turn against the practice earlier, and it was largely extinct in New Brunswick by 1820.

The formation of a Canadian identity

Indigenous Peoples and European Colonization:

Canada's identity has been significantly influenced by its indigenous peoples, including First Nations such as the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy, who inhabited the lands for millennia before European colonization. The French were the first Europeans to arrive in the 16th century, settling in the region as part of the colony of Acadia. This was followed by the British, who competed with the French for control of the region, ultimately gaining dominance after the Seven Years' War. The British colonization and the resulting cultural and linguistic diversity laid the foundation for Canada's identity as a bilingual and multicultural nation.

Immigration and Multiculturalism:

Canada has a long history of immigration, with people arriving from various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. This diversity has contributed to Canada's identity as a "cultural mosaic," where multiple ethnic groups live together while maintaining their distinct identities. The country's immigration policies, such as the points-based system, have played a role in shaping its demographic makeup and social fabric.

Bilingualism and Linguistic Diversity:

Canada's official languages, English and French, reflect the country's historical ties to Britain and France. The recognition of both languages as official languages in 1969 was a significant step towards accommodating the country's linguistic diversity and promoting national unity. This bilingualism is a defining feature of Canadian identity, setting it apart from its neighbour, the United States.

Geography and Natural Environment:

Canada's vast geography, including its northern territory and diverse natural environments, has influenced the Canadian identity. The country's size, climate, and proximity to the United States have shaped its culture, values, and sense of nationhood. The harsh winters and untamed nature have also contributed to what some have called a "garrison mentality" or "survival" theme in Canadian literature.

Political and Social Developments:

Canada's political history, including its relationship with Britain, the American Revolution, and the path towards independence, have all played a role in shaping its identity. Events such as the American invasions during the War of 1812, the formation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867, and the Quiet Revolution in Quebec during the 1960s have contributed to a sense of national unity and distinctiveness from its larger neighbour.

Social Policies and Values:

Canada's social policies and values, such as publicly funded healthcare, higher taxation for wealth distribution, strict gun control, and multiculturalism, set it apart from other nations, particularly the United States. These policies reflect a commitment to social welfare, equality, and diversity, which are seen as core Canadian values.

In summary, the formation of a Canadian identity has been a complex process influenced by historical, cultural, political, and geographical factors. Canada's identity is characterized by its diversity, bilingualism, commitment to social welfare, and unique relationship with its indigenous peoples. The ongoing evolution of Canadian identity continues to shape the country's society and its place in the world.

The Canadian Confederation in 1867

The Canadian Confederation of 1867 was the process by which the British North American colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (what is now Ontario and Quebec) were united into one federation called the Dominion of Canada. This event, which took place on July 1, 1867, marked the first step in the nation-building exercise that would eventually encompass other territories and fulfill the dream of a country stretching from sea to sea.

The idea of a Canadian Confederation had been discussed for several years prior to 1867, with efforts to establish a Maritime Union in the 1860s playing a significant role. The union of British North America was a long-simmering idea, but by the 1860s, it had become a serious question, particularly in the Province of Canada. Several factors influenced the push for Confederation, including internal political deadlock and distrust between English Protestants and French Catholics, as well as external pressures such as the American Civil War and the desire of Britain to reduce its financial and military obligations to its colonies.

The Charlottetown Conference of September 1864 set Confederation in motion. Delegates from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island met to discuss the union of their provinces, but they were persuaded by the Great Coalition from the Province of Canada to work towards the union of all the British North American colonies. This conference was followed by the Quebec Conference in October 1864, where delegates from the four colonies met to discuss the Confederation proposal in more detail. The Quebec Conference adopted 72 resolutions, which formed the basis of Confederation.

The British North America Act of 1867, also known as the Constitution Act, was passed by the British Parliament and received royal assent from Queen Victoria on March 29, 1867. It established the Dominion of Canada as a federal state and a parliamentary democracy, setting the foundation for modern Canada. The act replaced the Act of Union 1840, which had unified Upper Canada and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada, and separate provinces were established under their current names: Ontario and Quebec. The union proved more controversial in the Maritime provinces, and it was not until 1866 that New Brunswick and Nova Scotia passed union resolutions, while Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland opted against joining at that time.

The Canadian Confederation had a significant impact on Indigenous communities, as the federal government assumed responsibility for Indigenous affairs from the colonies. The Dominion of Canada extended its influence over Indigenous peoples with the purchase of Rupert's Land in 1869 and signed a series of treaties, promising certain rights and concessions in exchange for traditional territories. However, many of these promises went unfulfilled, and the years following Confederation saw increased government systems of assimilation, including reserves, the Indian Act, and residential schools.

In conclusion, the Canadian Confederation of 1867 was a pivotal moment in the country's history, uniting several British North American colonies into a single federation and setting the stage for further expansion and nation-building. The process was driven by both internal and external factors, and despite opposition and challenges along the way, it established the foundations of modern Canada as a federal and parliamentary democracy.

Frequently asked questions