Research: The Journey to Canada
Some of the people who settled in western Canada came from Ontario and Quebec. Some came from the United States. Others came from different countries in Europe. People who come from one country to live in another are called immigrants.
Why did the immigrants choose to leave their country of origin? (Blue)
Why did people want to immigrate to Canada? There were a number of reasons why these people chose to leave their homeland and come to a strange new land.
- They were not allowed freedom of worship.
- The government had control over their way of life.
- Men were forced to serve in the army.
- There were no jobs or the jobs were low-paying jobs.
- Many were poor and barely made enough to survive.
- Farmers wanted to own their own land.
- Cities were overcrowded, dirty and polluted.
The Government of Canada was offering free land to those who were willing to settle on the prairies. For many this was an opportunity to own land and have a better life. People were also told that there were plenty of jobs available. Some immigrants hoped to make some money and buy land or set up a business.
For the people who came from Europe, the journey to Canada was a long one. The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean often took two weeks by steamship, and even longer by sailing ships. The steamship was faster than a sailing ship, but most of the steamships were overcrowded and dirty. Many passengers became seasick.
Other resources:
Causes of Immigration - from World Book Online (you need to be in school to access this site)
Where did the early pioneers come from? Pioneer Life
Question #2 - What methods of transportation did the immigrants use to get to Canada? (Red)
Preparing for the Long Journey
The Ocean Voyage
Question #3 - Where did the immigrants finally settle after they arrived in Canada? (Yellow)
Question #4 - Once in Canada, what methods of transportation did the immigrants use to get to their new homes? (Purple)
The immigrants travelled in train cars called "colonial cars". The journey by train from Quebec to western Canada took from four to six days. The trains were often overcrowded and without heat. There were many delays. Passengers had to bring their own food or buy food during the trip. When they finally arrived at a town close enough to their homestead, they unloaded their belongings and got a wagon or Red River cart. They also bought food, clothing, seed, tools, a plow, lumber and farm animals.
Other resources:
Travelling in a Covered Wagon
Early Days - Transportation
Red River Cart
Question #5 - Upon arriving in Canada, what kind of supplies did the immigrants need in order to build their new lives? (Green)
The Homestead
School, General Store & Blacksmith
In a Settler's Home
Question #6 - What other interesting information did you learn or discover about immigrating to Canada during your research? (Brown) |
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