SIGNIFICANCE OF DURHAM REPORT ON CANADA (1839) ON BRITAIN’S COLONIAL RELATIONSHIPS Flashcards
(19 cards)
When did the Canadian rebellions occur?
1837
When was Lord Durham appointed High Commissioner?
Summer 1837
How long did Durham stay in Canada?
4.5 months (May–October 1838)
When did Durham resign and return to Britain?
Resigned on 9 October 1838, returned on 1 November 1838
When was the Report on the Affairs of British North America published?
11 February 1839
When was the Act of Union passed and proclaimed?
Passed in 1839; proclaimed on 10 February 1841
When was responsible government granted to Canadian colonies?
Between 1848 and 1855
When did Australia and New Zealand gain responsible government?
During the 1850s (except Western Australia in 1890)
Who was Gibbon Wakefield and what was his main idea?
An adviser to Durham who advocated systematic colonisation — land should be sold, not given away, to attract respectable settlers
What did Wakefield contribute to the Durham Report?
The appendix on Crown lands and emigration; suggested taxing unused land and using revenue for public works
Who was Charles Buller?
Durham’s chief secretary, supported French-Canadian reformers, helped write the report, and later advocated responsible government
What was Buller’s key (but controversial) idea during the mission?
To banish a small number of rebels to Bermuda, which led to political backlash in Britain
What were the 3 main recommendations in the 1839 Durham Report?
- Unite Upper and Lower Canada
- Remove French-Canadian privileges (civil law, land system)
- Introduce responsible self-government
Why was responsible self-government so important?
It became the model for settler colonies, allowing local governance through elected assemblies, reducing the risk of rebellion
How did the Durham Report affect British imperial policy?
It redefined the Empire from direct rule to partnership, influencing governance in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
What were some criticisms of the Durham Report?
- Disregard for Indigenous peoples
- Harsh treatment of French-Canadians
- Viewed as trying to Anglicise Lower Canada
Why did Durham resign?
- Lack of support from PM Melbourne
- Backlash over sending rebels to Bermuda
- Conflict over controversial advisers like Wakefield and Turton
What was the long-term legacy of the Durham Report?
It laid the foundation for self-governing dominions, helping prevent colonial breakaways and strengthening the Empire
