HIS263Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Joseph Howe, British America, Responsible Government
Document Summary
By 1820, the various governments of british america were all well ensconced in power. Each colonial government was headed by a lieutenant-governor, appointed in england. Most oligarchies favoured government intervention in the economy such as: banks, roads, and canals. Political conflict involved disagreements between the governor and the oligarchy. Four major reformers stand out in the rebellions of 1837-38: Each of these men made some inroads to the political system at the time and anticipated a democratization of politics in british america. They displayed profound hostility to commerce, the merchant classes, and expensive economic development in the public sector. They were typical 19th century liberal democrats who sought to reduce the influence of government on the lives of the population. Eventually in 1837 the frustration of the reformers in the canadas led to rebellion. Mobs became very popular forms of political expression for inhabitants that usually did not take part in politics.
