The establishment of the Dominion of Canada in 1867 was primarily driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Growing regional tensions and the desire for greater autonomy from Britain prompted leaders like John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier to seek a unifying federal structure. The British North America Act of 1867 created a federation of provinces, starting with Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, to address defense concerns, facilitate trade, and stabilize governance. This act laid the foundation for Canada’s emergence as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire, marking a significant step towards full nationhood.