How did the two 1948 referendums lead to Newfoundland joining Canada?

Following World War II, the future of Newfoundland’s government became a subject of intense debate. Although a National Convention was elected to recommend options for the ballot, it initially rejected confederation with Canada as a choice, favoring instead a return to responsible government or the continuation of the existing Commission of Government.1

Despite the convention's recommendation, the British government intervened and included confederation as an option on the first referendum held on June 3, 1948. That vote proved inconclusive, necessitating a second referendum on July 22, 1948. In this follow-up vote, the pro-confederation side secured a majority of 52.3 percent. Consequently, Newfoundland officially joined the Canadian confederation as a province on March 31, 1949.1