Which factor contributed to Prince Edward Island reconsidering Confederation?

• A. Advancements in steamship travel
• B. Push for independence
• C. Desire for land ownership and financial support for a railway
• D. Desire to join with Newfoundland

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is why Prince Edward Island weighed Confederation in practical, economic terms. The best answer points to PEI’s debt and its need for economic modernization: the island wanted to own land and secure financial help to build and support a railway. PEI faced heavy public debt and limited opportunities to grow its economy, so guarantees from Ottawa—land ownership for tenants and federal funding to develop a railway—made joining Confederation a more attractive path to stability and growth. The railway would open markets and reduce transportation costs, while clearer land ownership would address long-standing grievances and improve people’s ability to invest and farm more securely.

Other choices don’t fit as well because steamship improvements, while helpful, were not the decisive factor driving PEI’s reconsideration; a push for independence wasn’t a major motive for PEI at this moment, and Newfoundland isn’t part of the PEI situation or their Confederation decision.