What was the main goal of the Confederation in Canada?

The primary goal of the Confederation in Canada was indeed to unite the British North American colonies for improved governance and defense. In the mid-19th century, the provinces faced various challenges such as political deadlock, economic instability, and the threat of American expansionism. Leaders recognized that by uniting these provinces into a single political entity, they could create a more efficient government capable of addressing these issues effectively.

The concept of a confederation allowed for shared resources, centralized governance, and a collective defense strategy, particularly in light of the growing concerns about potential invasions from the United States. This collaboration also aimed to foster a sense of national identity among the diverse populations of the different regions.

While other choices touch upon relevant historical facets, they do not capture the primary motivation behind the Confederation. For instance, establishing French as an official language is significant, especially in Quebec, but it was not the overarching purpose of the Confederation itself. Similarly, gaining independence from Britain was more of a consequence of the Confederation process rather than its initial goal. Lastly, while territorial expansion into the United States was an issue of concern at the time, the Confederation's main aim was to unite the colonies for governance and mutual defense.