Impact of the Railway on Canada

The Canadian Pacific Railway, initiated in 1881, connected Canada coast-to-coast, aiding settlement and law enforcement. Despite geographical challenges like the Rocky Mountains, surveyors determined the best route. Immigrant workers faced harsh conditions, with many losing their lives. The railway boosted trade and tourism but negatively impacted First Nations by disrupting their lands and food sources.

What was one of the main reasons for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway?

• To connect Canada from coast to coast

• To build a faster route to Europe

• To improve trade with the United States

• To develop the fishing industry

What was a major challenge faced during the construction of the railway?

• Lack of funding

• Harsh weather conditions

• Canada's physical geography

• Shortage of skilled labor

Who were primarily responsible for determining the best route for the railway?

• Engineers

• Surveyors

• Politicians

• Local farmers

What was a significant risk faced by workers during the railway construction?

• Explosions and avalanches

• Extreme heat

• Flooding

• Animal attacks

Which group of immigrants was notably involved in the construction of the railway?

• Indian

• Mexican

• Chinese

• Irish

What was one positive impact of the railway on Canada?

• Increased isolation of western provinces

• Development of ghost towns

• Facilitated transportation and tourism

• Decreased agricultural production

How did the railway negatively impact cities not on the rail line?

• They became industrial centers

• They became major trade hubs

• They experienced population booms

• They turned into ghost towns

What was a major consequence of the railway for the First Nations?

• Increased access to education

• Destruction of bison populations

• Improved healthcare facilities

• Expansion of traditional lands

What happened to the First Nations' land as a result of the railway?

• It was preserved

• It was used for industrial development

• It was expanded

• It was sold to new settlers

What was a significant implication of the railway for the First Nations?

• They gained new territories

• They were moved to reserves

• They received government compensation

• They became railway workers