Railroad to Confederation

Access between Colonies St. Lawrence River was the main connection between B.N.A. Colonies Rivers frozen during winter Hard to send goods to different markets

Annexation Manifesto Montreal merchants were concerned about access to markets Canada’s railway system not well deveolped USA railway system much better Annexed by the USA would enable use of railways Montreal and merchants would flourish with access to USA markets Movement supported by William Molson, J.J.C. Abbott

Railway Would Provide a way to move goods between colonies, opening up markets End of reciprocity treaty and corn laws = need for new markets Fast way to move troops around In case of USA invasion Enable western expansion – Sea to Sea Before USA would be able to annex North west

All colonies would share in the cost of the intercolonial railway Railway opened possible to move goods around quickly through all seasons Mechants heavily invested in transportation The British colonies involved in the confederation project had amassed considerable debt from railway construction. Pooling their debts in a federation would relieve the stress on their several economies. By facilitating commerce between provinces, confederation would also encourage the profitability of railway companies.