Answer to Question #161536 in History for Plus

Question

True or False In the early 1900s, British Columbia experienced slow growth and development.

Answer 1

True.

Several mining camps had begun operations in the late 19^th century and British Columbia had expanded its railway line northward in 1899 to gain access into the interior to transport coal to the mining centers in British Columbia. However, many of the mines were closed in early 20^th century and by 1914, many had been abandoned until later years. A railway line was also built between 1907 and 1914 to have a second access way to the Pacific coast. After its completion, the town of Prince George became a minor sawmill center. However, the terminal and the built port at Prince Rupert never matched up to the anticipated volume of traffic. The town’s effort to be a milling center did not happen mainly because there was no need for incoming freight and it remained a fishing center. In the early 1900, salmon canneries were built along the British Columbian coast close to the fishing areas but development of modern boats and refrigeration led to the closure of several canneries. Although logging was a main economic activity in BC, it still remained a winter occupation in the early 1900s with little innovation and dependence on manual logging techniques. The industry hugely developed after the world wars. Early1900s were also a troubled period due to race riots, two major train robberies and strikes by mine workers.