The National Dream

Question 1

Who did John A. Macdonald initially enlist to build the railway?

Answer 1

At first, Macdonald offered incentives to wealthy business and railway owners who might be willing to finance the construction of the railway.

Question 2

What was the Pacific Scandal?

Answer 2

In 1872, John A. Macdonald called an election, the first since Confederation.

The Conservatives realized they needed more money for their campaign, so promised wealthy Hugh Allan a guaranteed railway contract in exchange for money to support the Conservative election campaign.

After the election, when the deal became public, Macdonald had to resign.

Question 3

Which province demanded that the railway be built a part of the deal of them becoming part of Confederation?

Answer 3

British Columbia

Question 4

After being out of office for five years from 1873 to 1878, John A. Macdonald became Prime Minister again. He introduced the “National Policy” which had three main parts. What were they?

Answer 4

• A system of protective tariffs (taxes on goods that are imported from other countries)
• Increased immigration
• Finishing the Canadian Pacific Railway

Question 5

The CPR Syndicate moved the railway line 300 kilometres South. Why?

Answer 5

Because land speculators had bought up a lot of land in the north (between Saskatoon and Edmonton) and the Syndicate wanted more control over the project and the land the railway would cross. It was moved South between Regina and Calgary.