historylover1230:Newfoundland and LabradorNote: The official name of the province is Newfoundland an
historylover1230:Newfoundland and LabradorNote: The official name of the province is Newfoundland and Labrador, comprising of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland Labrador to the northwest. However, for most of this post, I will refer to the area as Newfoundland, as historically that was the name used for the whole region.Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to join Canada, doing so in 1949. This was because, for most of its history, Newfoundland and Labrador had been a sperate British colony from Canada.Inhabited by indigenous peoples as far back as 6000 BC, Newfoundland is believed to be the site of the first European contact with the Americas, with Vikings landing in Newfoundland around 1001. Further European contact would not happen again until the 16th centuries with Portuguese sailors mapping much of the area. In 1583 Newfoundland became one of England’s first American colonial possessions, becoming a key source of cod fish. In 1907, Newfoundland was made a Dominion, granting them a degree of self-governance and autonomy. With the outbreak of World War II, Newfoundland became the site of several American and British military bases. Indeed, with so much American money helping the struggling Newfoundland economy, some Newfoundlanders became advocating closer economic ties with the US.In 1948 it was decided to hold a referendum on the political status of Newfoundland, with the two options being remaining a Dominion or union with Canada. This was largely done due to fears that Newfoundland may consider attempting to join the United States. Canada was a little skeptical of the potential gains Newfoundland could bring to them, but preferred union to the possibility of being surrounded by the US on three sides. It should be noted that there was never any serious efforts by the US to annex Newfoundland. With a small population and few resources, the US saw no incentive for Newfoundland to join the US, especially as this would anger Canada and the United kingdom just as the Cold War was beginning. The referendum was held and 52.3% of Newfoundland’s population voted to join Canada, becoming the 12th province of Canada. -- source link