St. Alban's Raid

Author: Nate

On October 19, 1864 Lieutenant Bennett Young led 20 Confederate soldiers on a raid from Canada to St.Alban's Vermont to secure funds for the Confederacy. Another reason was to divert Union troops away from the south. They disguised themselves as travellers to locate the banks they would rob. In broad daylight they took off on stolen horses along with $ 208,000 and went back to Canada. The Americans thought about pursuing but didn't want to violate Canadian neutrality and risk dragging Britain into the war. Thirteen of the raiders were apprehended including Bennett Young and the stolen money was returned but created an uproar on both sides of the border.

Personal reflection and connections

Text to Self
I think this raid made everyone realize that the Canada -U.S. border was undefended which led to great fear. This was a main factor that led to Confederation and a common defence for B.N.A. was achieved. I think that the Canada - U.S. border should have had tighter security so it was beneficial that this raid happened to draw attention to that fact.

Text to World

Sometimes violent acts happen which then draws attention to the fact that tighter security is necessary. On 911 when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, Canada and the U.S. realized that greater security was needed on borders and in transportation terminals. The impact of the St. Alban's Raid on Confederation has led to better relations between Canada and the U.S. and the understanding that ecomonic, political and social consequences in one country directly affects the other as we have seen in the recent downturn in the economy and the effect of recent elections.