What if on July 22, 1948 Newfoundland had voted for responsible government over Confederation with Canada. Can this nation survive on it's own or will it have to tie itself to one of the two giants next door.
1932- On April 5th, a large crowd of 10,000 people march on the colonial building in St.John's. They are protesting corruption in Prime Minister Richard Squires government and the dire situation of the economy. The march soon turned into a riot as thousands of people tried to gain access to the colonial building where the Prime Minister was hiding. When the crowd managed to get into the building Squires was forced to flee and was almost captured by the crowd but finally managed to get into a cab and escape. Fearing an uprising against his government Squires was forced to call an election which resulted in his liberal party on getting 2 of the 28 seats available and him losing his own seat.
A new government was formed by the United Newfoundland Party led by Frederick Alderdice which resulted in his government requesting the creation of a royal commission to study Newfoundland's future.
1933- In November the commission delivers it's conclusions. It recommends that responsible government for Newfoundland be suspended until such a time that the island could support it's self. After much debate, the Newfoundland legislature voted itself out of existence in November and was replaced by a Commission of Government that was appointed by the government of the United Kingdom.
1940- With Britain at war, the governments of the UK and the US signed the destroyers for bases deal. It allowed the United States to build military bases in several British territories, including Newfoundland. American bases were built in St.John's, Argentia, and Stephenville. They also jointly operated bases with the Canadian government at Goose Bay and Gander. This created a massive economic boom for Newfoundland. Bases needed to be built, communication infrastructure improved, the highway between Holyrood and Argentia. This pulled thousands of people out of poverty and increased living conditions on the island dramatically.
1943- The war has had a dramatic effect on Newfoundland. For the first time in decades, Newfoundland has a budget surplus. The amount of revenue made by the government had quadrupled since the beginning of the war and the world economy had now recovered to the point that fish was being sold to other nations again. All involved agreed that the crisis was over and that once the war was finished Newfoundland would be able to choose it's own path once again.
1945- In December, with the war now over the British turned their attention to finally resolving the Newfoundland issue. They announce that a National Convention shall be created to decide Newfoundland's future. Prime Minister Attlee feared that the establishment in St.John's would attempt to dominate the convention so he instructed for members to be elected from the old electoral districts so that all people would be represented.
1946- The national Convention gets underway. Many in the convention support the renewal of self government but a minority led by Joey Smallwood supported confederation with Canada. Through is charismatic speeches and good organization, Smallwood was able to gain the upper hand in the convention and it appeared that the responsible government side had been defeated. This was not the case.
1947- Over the winter break the responsible government side began to organize themselves into a faction which could take on the confederationist's led by Smallwood. In February they finally organized themselves into the Responsible Government League led by Peter Cashin. However a wrench was thrown in their plans when a group within the party split and created the Economic Union Party which called for close relations with the US and a free trade deal and customs union between them and Newfoundland. Unfortunately for them, when the time came to decide where to send delegations their calls for a delegation to Washington were dismissed due to pressure from the Canadian and British governments who feared Canada by blocked in by the US. Delegations were sent to Ottawa and London to negotiate with the respective governments. The trip to Ottawa is a success and an outline for a union between the countries is drawn up. The delegation to London is not a success. The British make it clear that they would not financially support a independent Newfoundland.
1948- The year started off with a vicious debate in the national convention. When it became time to decide the choices that would be on the ballet in the referendum the anti confederation faction sprung into action. They used their majority to block confederation from being on the ballet. Smallwood was outraged, he described his opponents as a bunch of dictators who wished to force a choice on the population. Smallwood went to the Governor and demanded that Confederation be put on the ballet. Fearing that if he refused violence could break out, the Governor declared that Confederation would be a choice on the ballet.
**POD**
Realizing the inevitable, the RGL launched a massive fear campaign against the population. They started saying that if Newfoundland joined Canada, what would stop the Canadian government from backing Quebec's claims to Labrador and taking it from Newfoundland. Next they focused on the fishery. They declared that the Newfoundland fishery should be under Newfoundland's control and said that if they joined Canada Maritime fishermen would come and take THEIR fish. When the referendum came on June 3, The RGL was feeling confident. The results of the Referendum were as follows:
Responsible Government- 46%
Confederation- 40%
Commission- 14%
With no option getting more than 50% of the vote, the third option is dropped and a second referendum will be held with the options of Confederation or Responsible Government. Although campaigning is heavy on both sides and Joey Smallwood's use of the radio gathering support for confederation, on July 22nd the second referendum is held which results in 52.6% voting for Responsible Government. Newfoundland shall once again become independent.
