What evidence is there to support John A. Macdonald’s argument that BC would be better off joining the United States if the transcontinental railway was not built?

What evidence does your text cite?

Obviously BC would have more contact with the East coast with the U.S. transcontinental railroad if Canada hadn't built its own transcontinental railway.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/canadas-transcontinental-railway-completed

To find evidence supporting John A. Macdonald's argument, we need to conduct historical research. Here are steps you can follow to gather the evidence:

1. Start with background research: Gain an understanding of the historical context and John A. Macdonald's viewpoints regarding British Columbia (BC) and the transcontinental railway.

2. Read primary sources: Look for speeches, letters, or official documents where John A. Macdonald expressed his argument. Primary sources from Macdonald himself will provide direct insight into his perspective on BC and the potential outcomes of not building the transcontinental railway.

3. Examine secondary sources: Consult historians, scholars, or biographies that discuss Macdonald's stance on BC and the transcontinental railway. Look for well-referenced books, articles, or academic papers that explore his arguments in detail.

4. Consider economic factors: Macdonald likely made his case by analyzing economic factors such as trade and potential prosperity. Investigate any economic data or studies from that era that may have been used to support his point of view.

5. Analyze political context: Understand the political climate during that time. Macdonald may have argued that joining the United States would provide BC with more political influence or security.

6. Evaluate counter-arguments: To get a well-rounded view, consider researching opposing perspectives. Look for evidence that challenges Macdonald's argument, such as counter-arguments put forth by critics, politicians, or historians.

By following these steps, you should be able to gather evidence supporting John A. Macdonald's argument about BC joining the United States in the absence of the transcontinental railway. Remember to critically assess the reliability and biases of the sources you find to form a balanced understanding of this historical topic.