George Brown

Definition

George Brown was a prominent Canadian politician, journalist, and one of the Fathers of Confederation, known for his advocacy of a federal union in Canada. He played a crucial role in the formation of the Dominion of Canada through his efforts in political negotiations, particularly focusing on the interests of Ontario and promoting representation by population. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the British North America Act, which laid the foundation for Canada's confederation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. George Brown founded The Globe newspaper in 1844, which became an influential voice in advocating for political reform and Confederation.
2. He was a key figure in the Great Coalition of 1864, working alongside John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier to push for a united Canada.
3. Brown's push for representation by population was pivotal in ensuring that more populous provinces like Ontario received fair representation in the new federal government.
4. He was a strong proponent of responsible government and played a critical role in shaping public opinion regarding the need for confederation among the colonies.
5. Despite his significant contributions, Brown had political conflicts with Macdonald and Cartier, which sometimes hindered collaboration on issues related to Confederation.

Review Questions

• How did George Brown's views on representation by population influence the discussions surrounding Confederation?
  • George Brown strongly advocated for representation by population, believing that it was essential for fairness and equity among the provinces. This principle became a major talking point during discussions about Confederation as it addressed concerns from more populous regions, particularly Ontario. Brown's insistence on this issue helped shape the framework of the new government and ensured that provinces with larger populations had a proportional voice in the legislative process.
• Discuss the role of George Brown in the Great Coalition and how it impacted the formation of Canada as a Dominion.
  • George Brown's involvement in the Great Coalition of 1864 was critical for uniting various factions in favor of Confederation. Alongside John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier, Brown worked to bridge differences between political leaders and various colonies. The Coalition’s collective efforts culminated in a push towards drafting the British North America Act, which ultimately facilitated the establishment of Canada as a Dominion on July 1, 1867.
• Evaluate George Brown's legacy regarding his contributions to Canadian politics and how they shaped future governance in Canada.
  • George Brown's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to Canadian politics, particularly through his advocacy for representation by population and his role as a Father of Confederation. His vision for a federal system that recognized regional diversity set foundational principles for governance in Canada. Furthermore, his founding of The Globe allowed him to influence public discourse on political issues, ensuring that discussions around governance remained relevant. Ultimately, Brown's ideals continue to resonate in modern Canadian politics, reflecting an ongoing commitment to equitable representation.

Related terms

Confederation: The process by which the British colonies in North America united to form the Dominion of Canada in 1867.

Representation by Population: A principle advocating for legislative representation based on population size, heavily championed by George Brown.

British North America Act: The act passed by the British Parliament in 1867 that created the Dominion of Canada and established its federal structure.