Major transformation in Montreal from 1792 to 1819: Leaving behind preindustrial life to become industrialized

Between 1792 and 1819, Montreal went through an major transformation; leavi ng behind preindustrial life, Montreal was on its way to becoming industria lized. The flow of British immigrants following the opening up of Upper Can ada brought with it impressive demographic growth and an unprecedented shif t toward urbanization. This caused an ethnic and linguistic mix that change d Montreal society profoundly. Housing styles changed considerably from a c ity of landlords to ne of tenants. Poverty widened the gap between rich and poor. This polarity, based on levels of wealth, created a segregation of u rban space. The economic structure also underwent a transition as Montreal moved from being a city of services to a manufacturing centre. The implemen tation of industrial and financial capitalism was directly related to this economic diversity. Montreal was also engaged in the modernization of its s ervices (running water, lighting, sanitation, police). As the city abandone d old symbols of preindustrial life, such as the fortifications, it adopted new symbols of industrialization, namely the steam engine and the canals w hich complete the portrait of the new industrial landscape.