The Fathers of Confederation: A Chronicle of the Birth of the Dominion

What it is

This is a 1920 history book written by A. H. U. Colquhoun as part of a series called Chronicles of Canada. It tells the story of the men who worked toward the union of Canada's British North American provinces.

Why it matters

Written more than fifty years after Confederation, this book reflects how early twentieth-century Canadians remembered and celebrated the 'Fathers of Confederation,' including Samuel Leonard Tilley. It is useful for understanding Tilley's reputation and role as later generations told the story.

Look closer

• Why might a book written in 1920 describe the Confederation delegates differently than they might have described themselves in 1864?
• What does the choice to call these men 'Fathers' suggest about how the author wanted readers to see them?
• What kinds of sources might the author have used to write this history?