Which Prime Minister is known for promoting Canadian unity and expansion during the late 19th century?

Study for the Canada 6th Grade Social Studies Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your academic success!

The correct answer is John A. Macdonald, who was the first Prime Minister of Canada and served from 1867 to 1873, and again from 1878 to 1891. He played a pivotal role in the confederation of Canada, which united the provinces into a single nation. His vision for a transcontinental railway, known as the Canadian Pacific Railway, was a significant factor in promoting national unity and facilitating westward expansion. This railway connected Eastern Canada to the Pacific coast, encouraging settlement in the West and linking diverse regions of the country, thereby fostering a sense of Canadian identity.

Macdonald's policies also included the integration of various provinces into the Canadian federation, negotiations with Indigenous peoples, and the promotion of immigration to populate the western regions. These efforts not only expanded Canada's territory but also endeavored to create a cohesive nation where diverse cultures could coexist under one government.

Other Prime Ministers, while impactful in their own right, focused on different issues or occurred in different historical contexts. For instance, William Lyon Mackenzie King was known for his leadership during World War II and the early post-war period, but he did not significantly contribute to the nation-building efforts of the late 19th century like Macdonald did. Likewise,

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