In 1822 a group of Montréal businessmen, perturbed by the effects of the depression which followed the end of the Napoleonic wars, formed a "committee of Trade" with a mandate "to watch over the general interests of the trade of the country". The Committee was incorporated as the Montreal Board of Trade in 1842. During its first century, the Board's role was primarily that of lobbyist, particularly with regard to improving navigation to Montréal and constructing port facilities. They have been closely involved in municipal administrative reform, public health campaigns, anti-pollution and slum-clearance drives. Since the 1920s, the character of the Board has gradually altered to that of an information clearing-house and education facility.