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History of Canada – 1867 to Present
Table of Contents
Unit 2 Overview: Westward Expansion and the National Policy
2.1 The National Policy and its Economic Impact
2.2 Expansion into the West and the Creation of Manitoba
2.3 The Canadian Pacific Railway: Construction and Significance
2.4 Indigenous Peoples and the Northwest Resistance

The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was a massive project to connect Eastern and Western Canada by rail. It faced huge challenges like tough terrain and harsh weather. Chinese laborers played a crucial role, despite facing discrimination and dangerous conditions.

The CPR had a huge impact on Canada's development. It boosted economic growth, encouraged settlement in the West, and helped create a sense of national unity. The railway became a symbol of Canada's progress and ability to overcome challenges.

Construction of the CPR

Planning and Leadership

  • Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was a massive project to build a transcontinental railroad connecting Eastern and Western Canada
  • Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, championed the CPR as a means to unite the country and fulfill the promise of a coast-to-coast railway made to British Columbia upon its entry into Confederation
  • William Cornelius Van Horne, an experienced railway executive from the United States, was appointed as the general manager of the CPR in 1882 to oversee its construction

Building the Railway

  • Construction of the CPR began in 1881 and faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain (Rocky Mountains), harsh weather conditions, and labor shortages
  • Chinese laborers were recruited to work on the CPR, particularly in British Columbia, where they made up a significant portion of the workforce
    • Chinese workers faced dangerous working conditions, low wages, and racial discrimination
    • Despite these hardships, their contributions were crucial to the completion of the railway
  • The Last Spike, symbolizing the completion of the CPR, was driven at Craigellachie, British Columbia, on November 7, 1885, by Donald A. Smith, a prominent Canadian businessman and politician

Impact on Canadian Development

Economic Growth and Settlement

  • Land grants were provided to the CPR as an incentive for its construction, with the company receiving 25 million acres of land along the railway route
    • These land grants encouraged settlement and agricultural development in Western Canada (Prairie Provinces)
  • The CPR facilitated economic development by providing a reliable transportation network for goods, resources, and people
    • It opened up new markets for Canadian products and stimulated trade between regions
    • The railway also attracted foreign investment and immigration to Canada

National Unity and Identity

  • The completion of the CPR was a significant milestone in Canadian history, as it physically connected the country from coast to coast
  • The railway played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national unity and identity among Canadians
    • It helped to overcome regional differences and promoted the idea of a shared Canadian experience
  • The CPR became a symbol of Canada's achievement and progress, showcasing the country's ability to undertake and complete a massive infrastructure project despite the challenges posed by its vast geography and diverse population

Key Terms to Review (15)

Economic growth: Economic growth refers to the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time, typically measured by the rise in a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It often reflects improvements in productivity, technological advancements, and increased investment, which can lead to higher living standards and job creation. In the context of Canadian history, economic growth has played a significant role in shaping policies and infrastructure developments that aimed to foster national unity and economic stability.
Coast-to-coast railway: A coast-to-coast railway is a transcontinental rail system that connects the eastern and western regions of a country, facilitating transportation and trade across vast distances. In Canada, this concept is epitomized by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), which played a crucial role in uniting the country by linking the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, promoting economic growth and migration.
Canadian Identity: Canadian identity refers to the unique characteristics, values, and cultural elements that define what it means to be Canadian. It encompasses a shared sense of belonging and pride among Canadians, influenced by factors such as geography, history, multiculturalism, and indigenous heritage. The construction of the Canadian identity was significantly shaped by key infrastructure projects like the railway, which connected distant regions and facilitated the movement of people and ideas across the nation.
Prairie provinces: The prairie provinces are a region in Canada that includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These provinces are characterized by their flatlands, fertile soil, and significant agricultural production, which played a vital role in Canada's economic development and settlement patterns following the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Settlement: Settlement refers to the establishment of communities in a new area, often involving the movement of people to previously uninhabited or sparsely populated regions. This process not only involves the physical relocation of individuals and families but also the creation of social, economic, and political structures to support those communities. In the context of the Canadian Pacific Railway, settlement was a crucial factor in promoting westward expansion and integrating diverse populations into newly accessible regions of Canada.
Donald A. Smith: Donald A. Smith, also known as Lord Strathcona, was a prominent Canadian financier and politician, best known for his crucial role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). His contributions not only included securing funding but also navigating the political landscape to promote this vital infrastructure project, which was key to uniting Canada and facilitating westward expansion.
The last spike: The last spike refers to the final ceremonial railway spike that was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) on November 7, 1885, marking the completion of this monumental infrastructure project. This event symbolized the unification of Canada from coast to coast and represented a significant achievement in engineering, economics, and national identity during a time of expansion and nation-building.
William Cornelius Van Horne: William Cornelius Van Horne was a significant Canadian railway planner and manager, best known for his role as the General Manager and later President of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). His leadership was instrumental in the construction of the CPR, which played a critical role in connecting Canada from coast to coast, promoting economic growth, and shaping the national identity during the late 19th century.
Sir John A. Macdonald: Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 to 1891. He played a crucial role in shaping Canada as a nation, particularly through his efforts in establishing the Canadian Pacific Railway and navigating various political challenges during his time in office.
Chinese Laborers: Chinese laborers were immigrants from China who played a critical role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the late 19th century. These workers were crucial for overcoming the significant labor shortages faced during the railway's construction, often working under dangerous conditions and for low wages, while also facing discrimination and exclusion in Canadian society.
Land grants: Land grants are parcels of land that are given by a government or authority to individuals, groups, or companies for various purposes, including settlement, agriculture, and infrastructure development. These grants played a crucial role in encouraging westward expansion by offering incentives for settlers and promoting economic growth through land cultivation. Additionally, they were instrumental in the construction of transportation networks, notably the Canadian Pacific Railway, which facilitated the movement of people and goods across the country.
Immigration: Immigration refers to the process by which individuals or groups move from one country to another with the intention of settling there permanently or temporarily. This movement significantly shapes a country's demographics, economy, and cultural landscape, often contributing to the diversity of its population and influencing national identity.
Canadian Pacific Railway: 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.
Foreign investment: Foreign investment refers to the flow of capital from one country to another, where investors purchase assets or establish businesses in the foreign country. This influx of money can significantly impact the economy of the receiving nation by stimulating growth, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in shaping economic recovery, industrial development, and major infrastructure projects.
National unity: National unity refers to the sense of collective belonging and solidarity among the citizens of a nation, which fosters cooperation and collaboration towards common goals. This concept plays a significant role in shaping the political, social, and cultural fabric of a country, especially in contexts where diverse regions and groups exist. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming divisions, whether they are based on language, ethnicity, or regional interests, to maintain a cohesive national identity and strengthen governance.