Transcontinental railway

Definition

A transcontinental railway is a railroad system that spans an entire continent, connecting the east and west coasts. In the context of early Canada, this railway was crucial for national unity, economic development, and the settlement of the western territories, reflecting the challenges and successes faced by the new nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idea of a transcontinental railway emerged as a way to connect Canada’s vast geography and promote economic development after Confederation in 1867.
2. Construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway began in 1881 and was completed in 1885, significantly reducing travel time between eastern and western Canada.
3. The railway was essential for transporting goods, resources, and people, facilitating trade and encouraging settlement in the western provinces.
4. The completion of the transcontinental railway helped solidify Canadian sovereignty over its western territories during a time when American expansionism posed a threat.
5. The building of the railway faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties, labor shortages, and harsh geographical conditions like mountains and plains.

Review Questions

• How did the transcontinental railway address the early challenges faced by Canada as a new nation?
  • The transcontinental railway addressed early challenges by enhancing communication and transportation across Canada's vast landscape. It united disparate regions, fostering a sense of national identity and facilitating trade between provinces. Additionally, it played a key role in encouraging immigration and settlement in the West, which was critical for developing resources and expanding Canada's economy.
• Evaluate the impact of the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway on Canadian sovereignty and territorial integrity during its early years.
  • The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway greatly bolstered Canadian sovereignty by ensuring control over western territories amid potential American expansionism. By connecting British Columbia with Eastern Canada, it made travel and transportation of goods more efficient, reinforcing Canadian presence in these regions. This infrastructure project not only encouraged settlement but also demonstrated Canada's commitment to maintaining its territory and promoting national unity.
• Analyze how the concept of Manifest Destiny influenced Canadian attitudes towards building a transcontinental railway.
  • The concept of Manifest Destiny instilled a sense of urgency in Canada to construct a transcontinental railway to counterbalance American expansionist ambitions. As Americans moved westward under this ideology, Canadians recognized the necessity of establishing their own solidified presence across their territory. This led to increased political will among Canadian leaders to fund and support railway construction as a means of promoting national security, economic growth, and territorial integrity against external pressures.

Related terms

Canadian Pacific Railway: The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was the first transcontinental railway in Canada, completed in 1885, which played a pivotal role in uniting the country and facilitating trade and transportation.

National Policy: The National Policy was a set of economic policies adopted in Canada in the late 19th century, which aimed to promote Canadian industry and encourage immigration and settlement in the West, heavily relying on the transcontinental railway.

Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was a belief in the 19th-century United States that American settlers were destined to expand across North America, influencing Canadian perspectives on the need for a transcontinental railway to secure its territories.