An efficient railway system is essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing trade between regions in Canada West and East. Before the 1850s, transportation of goods like crops and timber primarily relied on ships, benefitting those near ports.
The Mississauga community in Canada West faced challenges from new immigrants and land development companies who sought fertile land. The government refused to acknowledge their ownership and auctioned off the land to settlers. Ojibwe leaders Nahnebahwequay and David Sawyer helped local bands start farms, which attracted immigrant farmers. The Canadian government forced bands to sign away their territories, and some First Nations tried to buy their land back. Catherine Sutton and others protested against this unfair treatment, as did many in Britain.
The railroad and increased agricultural demand in Canada West led to increased farming, encouraging other industries. Entrepreneurs began manufacturing farm machinery, leading to 31 factories by 1861. Farmers borrowed money to buy new technology, and new railroads made transportation easier. The Massey Company's factory in Toronto employed 700 people.
UNDERGROUND RAILWAY
Black settlements in southern Canada West formed, with Mary Ann Shadd starting schools and establishing abolitionist newspapers in the 1850s, educating the public about slavery and the Underground Railroad.
Slavery was abolished in 1833 in British North America, but in the southern US, the Underground Railroad was established to help enslaved Black people escape. The Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 allowed slave owners to recapture escapees, causing more people to flee to British North America.
IRISH CATHOLICS VERSUS
THE ORANGE ORDER
Tensions between Irish Catholics and Protestants in Canada West led to the formation of Protestant and Catholic societies, including the Orange Order, which held secret meetings and trained to defend their communities.
Between the 1840s and 1860s, Canada West's population tripled to nearly 1.5 million, with Irish immigrants becoming the largest ethnic group. However, many struggled to afford land, so they found employment in railroad construction and local industries. They had to compete with Canadians and other immigrants for jobs, causing social tensions.
Railway System
The railway system can improve accessibility and connectivity between different regions in Canada West and East Canada West
The railway system can promote tourism by providing convenient and scenic transportation options
A well-developed railway system is crucial for economic growth and trade between Canada West and East Canada West
Canada West and East Canada West can benefit from a connected railway system for efficient transportation
Before the 1850s, ships transported crops and timber to Europe and the US, benefiting those near ports.
Canada East
ABANDONING FARM LIFE
Hundreds of thousands of Canadiens were forced to leave their farms and move to cities for work, increasing the population from 5% in 1800 to 20% by 1867. Many left Canada East to find work in the United States.
