The Railroad
Why was the railway important to Canada?
The railway connected the country from coast to coast, allowing easier trade, defense, settlement, and communication.
What is Confederation?
Confederation refers to was the joining of several colonies to form the country of Canada on July 1, 1867
Who was John A. Macdonald?
John A. Macdonald was Canada’s first prime minister and a key figure in Confederation and the railway’s development.
When was the railway completed?
The railway was completed in November 1885, with Donald A. Smith (the owner of the Canadian Pacific Railway) driving the last spike.
What challenges were faced in building the railway?
Builders faced difficult terrain like muskeg, granite cliffs, and steep mountains, as well as dangers like avalanches, rockslides, and extreme weather
Which colonies joined Confederation in 1867?
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Canada (East and West) joined together to form the Dominion of Canada. Canada West and Canada East were divided into the provinces of Ontario and Québec
Who was George-Étienne Cartier?
Cartier was a Francophone leader who advocated for the protection of French language and culture in the new country.
What was the impact of the railway on bison herds?
The railway led to the near extinction of bison, which were vital to the Plains First Nations and Métis.
Who were key figures in building the railway?
Chinese immigrants and other European immigrants who were not paid fairly, faced dangers of starvation, disease, and unsafe work.
Why did the colonies decide to join Confederation?
The colonies joined to solve challenges such as defense against the United States, difficulties trading, and the need for a railway to connect the regions.
How did First Nations respond to the railway?
Many First Nations leaders, like Chief Crowfoot, opposed the railway as it was built through their land without permission.
What is the significance of July 1 in Canada?
July 1 marks Canada’s birthday, celebrating the day Confederation was established in 1867.
How did the railway affect First Nations and Métis?
The railway destroyed bison herds, disrupted their way of life, and led to the loss of land, forcing many to live on reserves.
Why does Canada have two official languages?
French and English were chosen as official languages to ensure equality between Francophones and Anglophones, protecting the language and culture of both groups. Sir. John A. MacDonald was British and George Etienne- Cartier was French.
What is a common criticism of Sir John A. Macdonald?
He saw the Indigenous as a problem and didn't include them in Confederation meetings.
What were the benefits of Confederation for Québec?
Québec retained control over schools, religion, and courts, and French was protected as an official language.
What were the effects of the railway on Canada?
Towns along the railway grew, while others became ghost towns. It opened the Prairies and British Columbia to new immigrants, developed tourism, and improved communication with telegraph lines.
Why was Ottawa chosen as the capital of Canada
Queen Victoria chose Ottawa because it was located in between the capitals of Canada East and West and it was easier to defend.
various answers
- borders and land
- language and culture protections
Why weren’t First Nations included in Confederation?
First Nations were excluded because colonists did not view them as important to the new country, and there were disagreements about land ownership. They were seen as a problem to the ‘fathers of confederation’.