Questions 4-6
By the 1840s, British North America had developed a vibrant commercial economy based on its abundant natural resources and a growing international trade. Fish, furs, timber, and grains represented over 90 percent of all economic activity. The oldest of the resource commodities, fish, was traditionally associated with Newfoundland and continued to dominate that colony's economy throughout the nineteenth century. The other traditional resource, fur, had a much smaller economic value compared to other resources. However, the fur trade was of tremendous value politically because it provided the means for Great Britain to retain its claim over much of Canada, and also formed the basis of the relationship between the British and the aboriginal peoples.
Timber and grain eventually replaced fish and fur in economic importance. Every province of British North America except Newfoundland was involved in the timber trade. In New Brunswick, the timber industry controlled every aspect of life, and settlement was closely connected to the opening of new timber territory. In the extensive agricultural lands of the St. Lawrence Valley and Upper Canada, wheat quickly became the dominant crop. Wheat met a growing demand abroad and it transported well as either grain or flour. (196 words)
______ min. ______ sec.
4. Which resource was the earliest to contribute to the economy of British North America?
Ⓐ Timber from New Brunswick
Ⓑ Fur fro across Canada
Ⓒ Fish from Newfoundland
Ⓓ Wheat from Upper Canada
5. According to the passage, what is the main reason for the importance of the fur trade?
Ⓐ Fur had more economic value than any other natural resource.
Ⓑ Fur formed the basis of the local economy everywhere in Canada.
Ⓒ The fur trade supplied all of the fur needed in Great Britain.
Ⓓ The fur trade allowed Great Britain to control a large part of Canada.
6. Which statement best describes the British North American economy around 1840?
Ⓐ Four important resources supported most of the commercial activity.
Ⓑ The economy was based mainly on the exportation of timber and wheat.
Ⓒ Economic activity varied greatly from one province to another.
Ⓓ Great Britain maintained strict control over all aspects of the economy.