Why did the British military withdrawal in 1871 hurt Quebec city’s economy?

The withdrawal of the British military in 1871 served as an economic blow to Quebec city because it removed a significant source of stability and activity for the capital city during a period when its economic standing was already being challenged.1

By the late 19th century, Quebec city’s economy was struggling due to several factors:
* Technological Shifts: The rise of steam- and steel-based technologies reduced the demand for wooden vessels, which had previously supported a significant local shipbuilding industry.1
* Infrastructure Bypassing: Early rail lines connected Lévis to Montreal rather than Quebec city, and the construction of the Erie Canal diverted timber and other goods away from the St. Lawrence River, favoring Montreal’s growth.1
* Economic Competition: Montreal had already gained the dominant economic position in the province, leaving Quebec city to rely on more volatile economic cycles of resource demand.1

The departure of the British military presence further compounded these difficulties, marking a decline in the city's traditional role as a fortified administrative and military hub.1