Macoun and the Great North-West
Date
1976-09
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Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This thesis deals with the development, expression and
significance of Professor John Macoun's endorsement of Western
Canada's potential for large scale agricultural settlement.
The study of the question first focuses on Western
agricultural knowledge in 1870 and Macoun's personal development
as a plant geographer up to that time. It then traces the Professor's
five major Western explorations from 1872 to 1881, noting the
circumstances under which they were carried out and his methods
and findings. This is followed by a discussion of the various
factors underlying his enthusiastic assessment and its impact
on the subsequent development of Western Canada. It closes with
an examination of Macoun's later work in an attempt to throw
further light on the nature of his evaluation.
The thesis concludes that John Macoun's assessment was
the product of his great dreams for the region, as well as his
extensive field work and related discoveries. He substantiated the
public's growing optimism for Western Canada and should be recognized
for emphasizing the land's overall potential.
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Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
History
Program
History