Forging Frontiers: The Canadian Pacific Railroad

• History
• Primary Education
• Age 13

Forging Frontiers: The Canadian Pacific Railroad

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the impact of the Canadian Pacific railroad on the development of small Canadian towns, the effort it took to create, and its effects on First Nations peoples.

What do you already know about the Canadian Pacific railroad?

The Vision

The Canadian Pacific railroad was a monumental project envisioned to connect the east and west coasts of Canada, spanning over 4,800 kilometers.

The Herculean Effort

Construction of the railroad required immense effort, with thousands of workers enduring harsh conditions and terrain to lay the tracks. Swamps, dense forest, valleys, mountains, lakes and rivers to name a few.  

Transformation of Smith Falls, Ontario

The railroad transformed small towns like Smith Falls, Ontario, into bustling hubs of commerce and trade, stimulating economic growth and prosperity.

Smith Falls

https://rmeo.org/smith-falls-railway-history/

Impact on First Nations Peoples

The construction of the railroad disrupted traditional territories and ways of life for many First Nations peoples, leading to significant cultural and social impacts.

Displacement and Loss of Traditional Territories:

The construction of the CPR necessitated vast stretches of land, leading to the displacement of numerous First Nations communities from their ancestral territories. As the railroad expanded westward, it encroached upon and divided traditional lands, disrupting hunting grounds, fishing areas, and sacred sites crucial to the cultural and spiritual practices of Indigenous peoples.

Economic Marginalization

While the CPR promised economic prosperity for Canada, First Nations communities were largely excluded from the benefits. Many Indigenous peoples were denied employment opportunities on the railroad and were instead relegated to low-paying, menial jobs. Moreover, the influx of settlers facilitated by the CPR often resulted in the exploitation of Indigenous resources and further economic marginalization.   

Health Impacts and Epidemics:

The arrival of the CPR also introduced new diseases to First Nations communities, resulting in devastating health impacts. Indigenous peoples, who had little to no immunity to diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, experienced catastrophic mortality rates. These epidemics decimated populations, causing irreparable damage to the social fabric of many Indigenous societies.

Cultural Erosion and Social Disruption:

The construction of the CPR brought significant cultural erosion and social disruption to First Nations communities. Traditional ways of life were upended as the railroad facilitated the spread of non-Indigenous settlers and their accompanying industries. This influx led to the imposition of foreign values, customs, and legal systems, eroding Indigenous cultures and undermining social structures.

Connecting a Nation

The completion of the Canadian Pacific railroad in 1885 marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history, symbolizing the unification and connectivity of the nation.

Interactive Map Activity

Students will engage in an interactive map activity to trace the route of the Canadian Pacific railroad and identify key locations along the way.

Discussion: Perspectives on Impact

Students will participate in a guided discussion exploring different perspectives on the impact of the railroad on small towns and First Nations peoples.

Reflection and Conclusion

Students will reflect on the lesson and share their insights, summarizing the significance of the Canadian Pacific railroad in Canadian history.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.