The Fathers of Confederation Explained
The Fathers of Confederation explained: who they were, the 1864 conferences, and the road to 1867. What to remember for the citizenship test.
The Fathers of Confederation are the leaders who worked together to create Canada. They met at conferences in Charlottetown and Quebec City in 1864 to plan the union. For the test, remember their role and the fact that their work led to Confederation in 1867.
Who they were
These leaders came from different colonies of British North America. Two figures stand out: Sir John A. Macdonald, who would become the first Prime Minister, and Sir George-Etienne Cartier, a political leader from Quebec.
They set aside their differences to build a shared project: a united and lasting country.
The 1864 conferences
The plan took shape at two major meetings in 1864. The Charlottetown Conference started the discussions, and the Quebec Conference set out the details. These talks laid the groundwork for the union of the provinces.
- Leaders from several British colonies
- Sir John A. Macdonald, future first Prime Minister
- Sir George-Etienne Cartier, political leader from Quebec
- Conferences in Charlottetown and Quebec City in 1864
- One goal: to unite the provinces into a single country
From plan to Confederation
The work begun in 1864 came together a few years later. It led to Confederation in 1867, when the first provinces united to form Canada. The Fathers of Confederation are therefore seen as the founders of the country.
Why this matters for the test
You may be asked who the Fathers of Confederation are, or to name some key figures. To connect this topic to other history subjects, see the guide Canada Explained.
Review these figures with our chapter quizzes to help the names stick.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Fathers of Confederation? The Fathers of Confederation are the leaders who worked together to create Canada, including Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Etienne Cartier.
Where were the conferences held? The leaders met at conferences in Charlottetown and Quebec City in 1864 to plan the union.
What did their work lead to? Their work led to Confederation in 1867, when the first provinces united to form Canada.