LIBS 1160: Essentials of Canadian History

Sidney Davidson

May 30th, 2023.

DISCUSS WHY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE RAILROAD WAS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL IN THE BUILDING OF THE NATION OF CANADA.

INTRODUCTION

“ A mari usque ad mare” (from sea to sea)”

The Fathers of Confederation and all those who supported confederation in the early 80s all dreamt of Canada as a Nation from sea to sea.

This meant that any colony that would become a part of Canada must be accessible for ease of trade and commerce.

Sir John A. Macdonald, who is often credited with being the primary Architect of Confederation, dreamt of a Nation that stretched across the continent.

The building of the railroad was the actualization of the dream of the Fathers of Confederation.

This paper will highlight the many advantages the railroad has contributed to Canada as a nation in the areas of economic and political expansion and also in the maintenance of law and order.

Resources/References

E Conestoga Modules: Roads to Confederation

E Conestoga Modules: Political Expansion and Change

E Conestoga Modules: Rebellion and Revolt

E Conestoga Modules: Economic and Industrial Challenges

The Canadian Encyclopedia

Canada.ca: Intercolonial Railway

This Paper will take readers through the history of Canada. It will explain how The Nation of Canada came about and will examine the trend of economic and political growth over the years.

This paper will also show the correlation between economic and political growth and the construction of the railroad.

This Paper will be discussing the benefit of British Columbia as a part of Canada. British Columbia was geographically located close to the West Coast of the United States and thus had closer ties with the United States. For the survival of the new Nation of Canada, it needed to stretch across the top half of North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The Railway construction contributed immensely to the growth of the mining sector, including major discoveries of gold, nickel, and copper which in turn led to a rise in GDP for Canada.