Economy, Culture, and Society The Roaring 1920s Economy, Culture, and Society
Post War Economy Canada began the 1920s in a state of economic depression, but the economy improved by the mid decade
Canadian Exports Wheat remained important main export but there was also growth in the exploitation of natural resources and manufacturing Pulp and paper Mining copper, silver, lead, zinc Used to make radios and home appliances
Demand for Cheap Energy Expanding forestry and mining industries increased demand for hydroelectric power several hydro electrical stations created to keep up with the demand for cheap energy
Changing Economy Before the war, Canada traded mainly with Britain After the war Britain in serious dept US Emerged as the world’s economic leader Majority of the war involved lending money and producing supplies War profiteering
Changing Economy Us invested in Canadian natural resources Majority of resources sent to the US US set up Branch Plants Avoided tariffs by making products in Canada US Benefited more than Canada
Increased Mobility Introduction of Henry Ford’s Model T car The most popular automobile Made travel easier and promoted road development Airplanes made Northern Canada more accessible
Improved Communications Widespread use of radio aided communication and entertainment Smaller Canadian stations competed with big American stations Telephone became a standard household appliance - Yet lines shared by many neighbours AHH!
Prohibition the act of prohibiting the manufacturing, storage in barrels, bottles, transportation and sale of alcohol including alcoholic beverages.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union Actively campaigned for prohibition in the 1900s Argued liquor was the root cause of family breakdown and poverty
Bootlegged Alcohol Demand for illegal alcohol created a larger crime problem Alcohol sales skyrocket despite law Speakeasies established Liquor Unsafe Moonshine! By 1921 most governments regulated rather than outlawed
Fashion Women’s fashion changes mirrored social changes Shorter skirts, shorter hair symbolized progression and women’s liberation from traditions An era of entertainment and prosperity
Group of Seven Painters in tune with Canada’s post war confidence Ignored the realistic classical style and interpreted Canada's rugged landscape as they saw it - Broad stroke and brilliant colours
Emily Carr Artist and writer Born in 1871 Victoria BC Inspired by the Group of Seven Painted themes of Canadian wilderness, nature, and First Nations Culture
Film Rivalled Radio for most popular entertainment At first movies were silent and orchestra played the music Talkies began in 1927 Canada could not compete with Hollywood
Music Jazz was the most popular style of music as it influenced Society Poetry fashion Jazz music also exacerbated the racial tensions in the post war period