In 1865, George Brown, a leading figure in Canadian politics and a prominent advocate for Confederation, spoke decisively on the issue of reciprocity with the United States and the growing might of American military power. His stance reflected the broader Canadian concerns at the time regarding the potential threats posed by the United States, particularly following the American Civil War and the possibility of American expansionism into British North America. Brown believed that the fragile economic and political relations between Canada and the U.S. needed to be addressed, and he saw the end of the Reciprocity Treaty (1854–1866) as both a challenge and an opportunity.
The Reciprocity Treaty between Canada and the U.S. had been economically beneficial, allowing for mutual free trade in natural resources, but its collapse in 1866 reflected the growing tensions. Brown was a key player in navigating these issues, and he argued that Canada needed to strengthen its own economic and political foundations. His speeches emphasized the need for unity among the British North American colonies as a means of safeguarding their interests against American military power, which had been demonstrated so dramatically during the Civil War.
Brown’s focus on reciprocity and American military might was part of his larger vision for Confederation. He viewed a united Canada, supported by a stronger federal government and a shared economic strategy, as essential for survival in a world where American expansionism loomed large. The Civil War had revealed the United States’ military potential, and Brown saw Confederation as a means of bolstering Canada’s defense capabilities by pooling resources and creating a stronger, more cohesive political entity that could stand firm in the face of external threats.
Brown’s advocacy for Confederation was deeply influenced by his concerns over American aggression. He understood that the dissolution of the Reciprocity Treaty not only severed economic ties but also hinted at the possibility of future conflict. The withdrawal of American economic support heightened the need for Canada to diversify its economic relationships and become more self-reliant, particularly in the context of defense. Brown, a fierce advocate for responsible government and reform, saw in Confederation a solution to the vulnerabilities posed by both economic dependency on the U.S. and the growing military power across the border.
In broader Canadian history, Brown’s arguments on reciprocity and American military power had a lasting influence. They were instrumental in shaping the political climate that led to Confederation in 1867, as fears of annexation or invasion by the United States spurred the British North American colonies to unite for their common defense and economic survival. His concerns over American military might resonated well into the 20th century, influencing Canadian defense policies, trade negotiations, and foreign relations.
In sum, George Brown’s 1865 reflections on reciprocity and American military strength were not merely reactive to the immediate economic situation, but visionary in how they framed the necessity for Canadian Confederation. His efforts to strengthen Canadian unity and fortify its defenses against a powerful and unpredictable neighbor played a key role in the shaping of modern Canada, embedding a sense of self-reliance, unity, and caution that remains relevant in Canadian political thought.
[excerpts from the Confederation Debates]
Mr. Speaker, I am in favour of a union of these provinces, because it will enable us to meet, without alarm, the abrogation of the American Reciprocity Treaty, in case the United States should insist on its abolition. (Hear, hear.) I do not believe that the American Government is so insane as to repeal that treaty. But it is always well to be prepared for contingencies - and I have no hesitation in saying that if they do repeal it, should this union of British America go on, a fresh outlet for our commerce will be opened up to us quite as advantageous as the American trade has ever been... ...But, sixthly, Mr. Speaker, I am in favour of the union of the provinces, because, in the event of war, it will enable all the colonies to defend themselves better, and give more efficient aid to the Empire, than they could do separately...it must be admitted -- and there is no use of closing our eyes to the fact - that this question of defence has been placed, within the last two years, in a totally different position from what it ever occupied before. I have not belief that the Americans have the slightest thought of attacking us. I cannot believe that the first use of their new-found liberty will be the invasion, totally unprovoked, of a peaceful province. I fancy that they have had quite enough of war for a good many years to come -- and that such a war as one with England would certainly be, is the last they are likely to provoke. But, Mr. Speaker, there is no better mode of warding off war when it is threatened, than to be prepared for it if it comes. The Americans are now a warlike people. They have large armies, a powerful navy, an unlimited supply of warlike munitions, and the carnage of war has to them been stript of its horrors. The American side of our lines already bristles with works of defence, and unless we are willing to live at the mercy of our neighbours, we, too, must put our country in a state of efficient preparation. War or no war -- the necessity of placing these provinces in a thorough state of defence can no longer be postponed....
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