The Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 opened up a large American market to Canadians. Such access was becoming increasingly important for the flow of natural resources as imperial free-trade policies destroyed the colony’s protected position. Canada had hoped to renew reciprocity, which was set to expire in 1866, but was unsuccessful. The abrogation of the Reciprocity Treaty and the subsequent closing of the American market gave rise to a Canadian business crisis.
Based on DCB biographies and themes