Canada at the Turn of the

Century (1900).

Canada and the United States (1900)

United States CanadaInd. from GB: 1776 1867Method of Ind.: War BNA ActResult: Isolated Member

of British Empire

Population in 1900: 76 million 5.3 millionEconomy: Industrial Pre-Industrial/

AgriculturalLeaders: William McKinley Wilfrid

LaurierMajor Wars Fought: 3 1Ethnic Make-up: North, West, South British, French,

GermanEuropean/African

Canada: The 2nd Land of Opportunity

“The 19th Century was the century of the United States. I think that we can claim that it is Canada that shall

fill the 20th Century.” – Wilfrid Laurier (Prime Minister, 1896-1911)

Laurier appointed Clifford Sifton Minister of the Interior in 1896.

Sifton created an Open-Door Immigration Policy. He wanted to attract farmers who could deal with hardships. Who, Why, How?

Canada: The 2nd Land of Opportunity

Canada: The 2nd Land of Opportunity

Clifford Sifton used pamphlets, posters, and advertisements promising “FREE LAND”. Each family was offered 160 acres of land for $10.

Settlers had to cultivate 40 acres and build a permanent dwelling within 3 years.

Railways and the Expansion of Canada

By 1900 the Canadian Pacific Railroad was the only railroad traveling from Eastern to Western Canada.

Last SpikeThe symbolic last spike in the building of the CPR was driven by Donald Smith on Nov 7, 1885

• What might me some problems with this?

Railways and the Expansion of Canada

The CPR could not handle the # of settlers going west. Did not reach all of the Land Grants. Could not handle the wheat production. Transportation prices were too high.

Railways and the Expansion of Canada

Prime Minister Laurier gave private companies permission to start building more railroads. He even gave them subsidies.

As a result of competition:-1867 – 3,666km of track across Canada.-1914 – 49,588km of track across Canada.

The location of the railroads played a huge role on the development of towns and cities. Why?