Early Life and Political Influences:
* His father: Archibald Macdonald, a Scottish immigrant and successful businessman, instilled in his son a strong work ethic and a belief in self-reliance.
* Early political experiences: His early career as a lawyer and politician in Upper Canada exposed him to the debates and issues of the day, particularly the tensions between the French and English communities.
* The Great Reform Act of 1832: This landmark British legislation, which expanded voting rights, influenced Macdonald's belief in the importance of representative government.
Political Mentors and Allies:
* George Brown: A prominent Liberal politician, Brown was Macdonald's political rival but also a collaborator on the issue of Confederation. They formed a short-lived coalition government in 1858.
* Thomas D'Arcy McGee: A prominent Irish-Canadian politician, McGee was a strong advocate for Confederation and influenced Macdonald's understanding of the need for a unified Canada.
* Sir John Colborne: The Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada during Macdonald's early years, Colborne was a strong advocate for British imperial control. This likely influenced Macdonald's own view of the importance of British influence in Canada.
Political Ideologies:
* Conservatism: Macdonald was a staunch Conservative, believing in the importance of tradition, hierarchy, and strong government. He believed in maintaining a close relationship with Britain.
* Nationalism: While advocating for a strong British connection, Macdonald also believed in the importance of Canadian self-governance and building a national identity.
* Pragmatism: Macdonald was known for his pragmatism and ability to compromise. He was willing to work with various political factions to achieve his goals, including his rivals, the Liberals.
Specific Influences on Confederation:
* The Durham Report: This influential document, commissioned by the British government in 1838, recommended a united Canada with a stronger central government. Macdonald was a strong supporter of this recommendation.
* The Charlottetown Conference: This meeting of colonial leaders in 1864, which was intended to discuss a maritime union, ultimately paved the way for Confederation. Macdonald was a key figure in redirecting the conference towards a broader union.
* The Quebec Conference: This meeting in 1864 resulted in the drafting of the "Quebec Resolutions," which laid the groundwork for the British North America Act (the basis for Canadian Confederation). Macdonald was a leading architect of these resolutions.
It is important to note that these are just some of the key influences on John A. Macdonald's life and career. He was a complex and multifaceted figure whose views were shaped by a variety of factors.