Inside the Long Depression and Canada’s Trade Revival
A practical, historical look at the causes and effects of a severe economic downturn in the late 19th century, with a clear view of how Canadian merchants and trades struggled and adapted. The book traces how inflation, credit, and failed ventures reshaped markets from coast to coast, and how certain regions bore the brunt of the downturn.
This edition also surveys the rise of domestic manufacturing—from cotton and wool to silk—showing how home production began to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on imports. It explains the credit systems that tangled merchants and the strategies they used to survive, including the rise and fall of so-called support accounts and long-term payment terms. Detailed industry notes highlight key centers, mills, and shifts in provincial economies, making history tangible for today’s readers.
- Learn how inflation and risky lending helped trigger a deep economic slump in the 1870s and 1880s
- See how different Canadian provinces fared, with a focus on Quebec and the Maritime provinces
- Understand the growth of domestic textile industries and their push for local supply
- Explore the interplay between imports, exports, and credit practices that shaped business
- Get a sense of the broader global context and what it meant for Canadian trade
Ideal for readers of economic history, business history, and Canadian studies who want a grounded, documentary view of growth, risk, and resilience in a formative era.