Canada in the 1920’s & 1930’s Boom & Bust

The Vote Prejudice & racism Global political events impacted perspective The Dominion Elections Act set rules for voting Manitoba, 1916 succumbs to pressure to allow women to vote The Persons Case – challenge to the BNA Act, 1867

The Vote Provinces & municipalities created Acts that prevent Japanese, Chinese, and Hindus from voting At Confederation, first peoples had to give up their treaty rights and Indian Status if they wanted to vote First Peoples participation in WWI was impetus for push for voting rights

The Rise of the Union People angry about how economy changed during the war Capitalism vs. socialism/communism Winnipeg General Strike in 1919 Citizens committee made up of business owners worked with the gov't NWMP sent in to squash it Some strike leaders were arrested, some went on to political careers Strike itself seen as unsuccessful; long term effects are positive  

URBANIZATION Corner of Yonge & Adelaide – 1922 Building streetcar tracks

Toronto in the 1920s

Toronto in the 1920s

Royal York Hotel in the 1920s Urbanization Royal York Hotel today Royal York Hotel in the 1920s

CONSUMERISM & BUYING ON CREDIT Beginning of disposable income & credit Faith in the economy Banks began to lend money Borrowed for big items, trading on stock market

Simpson’s The T. Eaton Co. The Bay

The T. Eaton Co.

The T. Eaton Co.

The T. Eaton Co.

CAUSES OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION Buying on credit Companies stock piling goods Ties to American economy World commodity prices rise Inflation Stock market crash of 1929 (Black Tuesday)

THE GREAT DEPRESSION Stock market crash of 1929 Many people bought using borrowed $ People sold their stocks en masse Crash in NYSE

THE PRAIRIES & THE GREAT DEPRESSION Price for wheat drops Less international demand for resources Drought Grasshoppers

THE PRAIRIES & THE GREAT DEPRESSION

THE MARITIMES & B.C.: THE GREAT DEPRESSION Reliance on fish & lumber Increase in unemployment rates

William Lyon Mackenzie King SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS Federal Leadership: 1921-1925 1926-1930 1935-1948 Arthur Meighen Conservative Party Federal Leadership: 1920-1921 1926 R.B. Bennett Conservative Party Federal Leadership: 1930-1935 William Lyon Mackenzie King Liberal Party

QUEBEC + Maurice Duplessis Championed farming and rural areas Wanted a strong Catholic church in the lives of Quebecors Anti-union Padlock Act – communism, dissent, religious minorities The Great Darkness Premier of Quebec: 1936 – 1939; 1944 - 1959

Immigration Was higher during the 20s and dropped drastically during 30s Highest numbers of immigrants were still from Britain & U.S. Hutterites, Mennonites, Doukhobors settled the west Blacks from the U.S., people from India, China, & Japan were discouraged from immigrating Immigration policies, voting rights, civil rights Doukhobors of B.C.

Potlach Ceremony in Northern B.C. The Indian Act Gave Canadian gov’t sweeping powers over Native peoples Determined rights and benefits based on “good moral character” Overall purpose = assimilation Residential schools Banning the potlatch Amendment to Indian Act in 1927: cannot hire a lawyer or bring about land claims without gov’t consent Potlach Ceremony in Northern B.C.

Mohawk Institute Residential School (AKA “The Mush Hole”) Brantford, ON; 1831 - 1970