Overview
Before the railways, Canada was a vast, rugged country with a small, widely spread population. As train tracks were laid from the Atlantic to the Pacific, towns sprang up along the way. Train stations became centres of life and communication. Jobs were created, businesses sprang up, and for the first time, Canadians felt united. By 1867 the Dominion of Canada would form, due in no small part to the railways.
Synopsis
Before the railways, Canada was a vast, rugged country with a small, widely spread population. As train tracks were laid from the Atlantic to the Pacific, towns sprang up along the way. Train stations became centres of life and communication. Jobs were created, businesses sprang up, and for the first time, Canadians felt united. By 1867 the Dominion of Canada would form, due in no small part to the railways.
Children's Literature
What a $5.95 bargain! It gives visual and factual life to the history of the construction of Canada's railroads-a daunting task, considering that Canada is second in size only to Russia. The Table of Contents describes the players: "The Surveyors, The Politicians, The Opponents, The Businessmen, and The Women." It does not shrink from telling the dark side-imported labor, massive deaths from disease and accidents, etc. There are many activities clearly explained-models, crossword and other puzzles, etc, and excellent maps. The black and white line drawings add power and understanding to the text.