Canadian Pacific Railway

Definition

The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is a transcontinental railway that was completed in 1885, connecting Eastern Canada to British Columbia on the Pacific Coast. It played a critical role in uniting the country, facilitating trade, and promoting economic development, while also being a cornerstone of national policy and political ambitions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of the CPR was a massive undertaking that began in 1881 and involved thousands of workers, including Chinese laborers who faced harsh conditions and discrimination.
2. The completion of the CPR helped secure British Columbia's entry into the Canadian Confederation by promising effective transportation links to the rest of Canada.
3. The railway significantly reduced travel time across the country, making it possible to travel from coast to coast in a matter of days rather than weeks.
4. The CPR played a vital role in the economic development of Western Canada by opening up new markets for goods and encouraging immigration to the region.
5. The railway's construction and operations were mired in political scandals involving bribery and corruption, particularly concerning contracts awarded to influential businessmen.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway influence immigration patterns in Canada during its early years?
  • The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in shaping immigration patterns as it opened up vast areas of Western Canada for settlement. With better access to these regions, many immigrants were drawn to the opportunities for farming, resource extraction, and new jobs along the railway route. The railway facilitated not only transportation but also communication, creating a network that encouraged more people to move westward and settle in areas that were previously remote.
• Evaluate the economic impact of the Canadian Pacific Railway on Canada's growth as a nation during the late 19th century.
  • The economic impact of the Canadian Pacific Railway on Canada's growth was profound as it connected the country's diverse regions, boosting trade and commerce. It allowed goods and resources from the West to reach markets in the East, while also enabling eastern products to be sold in western communities. The CPR facilitated not just transportation but also investment in industries such as agriculture, mining, and forestry, contributing significantly to Canada's overall economic expansion during this period.
• Discuss how political scandals surrounding the Canadian Pacific Railway's construction affected public perception of government integrity in Canada.
  • Political scandals related to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway had lasting effects on public perception of government integrity. Allegations of bribery and corruption involving key political figures and business interests undermined trust in governmental institutions. These scandals raised questions about accountability and transparency within the administration led by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, leading to increased public scrutiny of political decisions and contributing to calls for reforms in governance as Canadians became more aware of potential abuses of power.

Related terms

National Policy: A set of economic policies introduced by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald aimed at promoting Canadian industry through tariffs, immigration, and railway construction.

Dominion Lands Act: An 1872 law that encouraged Western settlement by offering land to settlers at minimal cost, significantly increasing demand for railway access.

Transcontinental Railroad: A railway system that spans a continent, crucial for connecting remote regions to major markets and facilitating movement across vast distances.