E34: United Provinces of Canada

These sources collectively provide an overview of the political and social landscape of British North America leading up to and immediately following Confederation in 1867, with a particular emphasis on the Province of Canada. One source examines the evolution of social classes, highlighting the persistence of old hierarchies like the seigneurial system alongside the rise of merchant elites, liberal professionals, and a growing working class, also discussing the significant influence of the clergy across denominations despite sectarian rivalries. Another source details the development of the education system, focusing on the contrasting histories of Upper and Lower Canada and the impact of the Act of Union and Section 93 of the British North America Act, which protected denominational school rights, as well as the horrific legacy of residential schooling and other forms of racial segregation in the public school system. Finally, two sources provide context for the political climate, describing the formation of the Province of Canada, the struggle for responsible government, and the emergence of political factions like the Clear Grits and the Parti bleu, underscoring the political challenges arising from the dual nature of the united provinces which ultimately led to Confederation.