Riel and Macdonald: Contributions to Canada

The United States’ Manifest Destiny and repeal of the Reciprocity Treaty were seen as a threat of annexation, and worries that Britain would no longer provide defences for Canada exacerbated fears. Britain’s cancellation of the Corn Laws threw the colonies into further economic depression. By establishing Confederation, Macdonald solved these issues. The colonies shared their economic assets, becoming self-sufficient. For example, trade was not terminated because the ice-free port in Halifax could remain open during wintertime. Colonies could combine to form firmer defences against external threats like American invasion. Confederation may have existed without Macdonald, but its effective success may not have been so impressive. Confederation was the first step in a slow but steady nation-building exercise that gave Canada strength through unity.