In 1838–39, a report by Lord Durham called on Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island to join with Canada. It was said that both would be better off. Newfoundland did not act on this advice.
In 1855, Britain granted Newfoundland Responsible Government. This was a system whereby government members were elected by and answered to the people. The British Crown maintained absolute authority.
In 1858, Canada proposed joining with other British colonies in North America. This did not get the support of Britain.
In 1869, the Newfoundland Government drafted terms of union with Canada. These were passed in the House of Assembly. Canadian Parliament approved these terms. All that remained was a vote in the Newfoundland Legislature. Newfoundland Prime Minister Frederick Carter called an election to let the people decide the issue.
An anti–Confederate campaign was launched. People spoke of “selling out” to Canada. There were fears that high taxes would be imposed by Canada on the people of Newfoundland. The anti–Confederate vote won out. People continued to debate the idea of Confederation in spite of this vote.