Why Did It Take So Long for Newfoundland to Join Canada?

📅Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, nearly a century after Canada's confederation in 1867.

🤝Politicians in Newfoundland debated confederation in 1864 while Canada was discussing confederation. However, the people of Newfoundland were largely against joining Canada.

⛪️Religious differences played a role in the delay, as the majority Protestant population of Newfoundland resisted joining a Canada with a significant French Catholic minority.

💼Economic concerns influenced Newfoundland's decision, as the province had low taxes and feared that joining Canada would result in higher taxes.

🇬🇧🍁Newfoundland experienced financial difficulties during the Great Depression and attempted to sell itself to Canada, but the offer was declined by both Canada and Britain.

When did Newfoundland join Canada?

—Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.

Why did it take so long for Newfoundland to join Canada?

—Newfoundland had various reasons for delaying joining Canada, including the wishes of its people, religious differences, and economic concerns.

What role did religion play in Newfoundland's decision to join Canada?

—Religion played a role in Newfoundland's decision, as the majority Protestant population resisted joining a Canada with a significant French Catholic minority.

How did economic concerns influence Newfoundland's decision?

—Newfoundland had low taxes and was concerned that joining Canada would result in higher taxes.

Did Newfoundland attempt to join Canada earlier?

—Newfoundland attempted to join Canada earlier, including during a financial crisis in 1895, but the offer was declined.

00:00Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, nearly a century after Canada was confederated in 1867.

00:21Politicians in Newfoundland debated joining Canada in 1864, but the people were largely against it.

00:45Religious differences influenced the delay, as the majority Protestant population resisted joining a Canada with a significant French Catholic minority.

00:56Economic concerns played a role, as Newfoundland had low taxes and feared higher taxes if they joined Canada.

03:20During the Great Depression, Newfoundland attempted to sell itself to Canada, but the offer was declined.