A different Canada Can

The Sun Never Sets British colonies are in the red – Canada was part of the empire, but still had their own government. This really caused a dispute between those who believed in imperialism, and supporting the empire, and those that pushed towards nationalism, and supporting things in the best interest of their country.

SOCIETY AND MANNERS Victorian England set the moral strictness of the time Queen Victoria 1837- 1901 May 24th is her birthday – statutory holiday in Canada It was age iin which right and wrong, good and evil seemed clear; they were not seen as issues that needed discussion or debate. And laws were very strict – the death penalty was alive and well in Canada, and in 1914, 27 men were sentenced to death for murder.

Sir Wifrid Laurier 7 th Prime Minister of Canada 1896-1911 French-Canadien “Golden Age of Laurier” Soon after Laurier became prime minister, he realized that if Canada were to prosper, it needed many more people, especially in the west. His government circulated posters in the United States and northern and eastern Europe promoting Canada as an attractive place to live. The posters described the prairies as the “last Best West” so called to distinguish it from the American West. His government’s efforts resulted in an enormous icnrease in immigrantion during this period.

Changing Technologies health care changed with the development of x-rays, rubber gloves and face masks transportation changed with the development of bicycles, cars for the rich, and electric trolleys communication changed with the development of telephones, the wireless telegraph and radio factories became mechanized airplanes were developed

Transportation Innovations

A Communications Revolution

Resources & The Environment Canada was seen as land of plenty with an endless supply of natural resources. However, human interference could seriously damage an important natural resource Rockslide at Hell’s Gate Canyon Natural landscape protected through the establishment of national parks. 1885 – Banff National Park established

Economic Boom The Early 1900s saw an economic boom in Canada Export of timber, wheat and minerals important to Canada’s economy. Better shipping routes combined with lower freight rate helped the export of Canadian goods. Mining contributed to the boom thanks to Gold Rush.

Industrialization Hydroelectric power stations built to provide power to Canada’s factories. Electricity in factories boosted industrial growth and created jobs in manufacturing. Small manufacturing tied to processing resources or providing tools/equipment for farms and homes. Growth of automobile manufacturing industry in Ontario.

Corporate Giants and the Rise of Unions Canada was prosperous, but the prosperity of the time was something that was not shared around equally. A few major corporate giants controlled a majority of the industry and finance of the country. i.e. Imperial Oil, Massey-Harris, and Maple Leaf Milling Few people in the population were able to see any of the money in these companies, and their wealth sharply contrasted that of the poor working class people.

The Rise of Trade Unions Workers began to form trade unions to press for better pay, reduced hours of work and better safety conditions. When employers would not give in to demands, workers would go on strike. These often turned violent and police and the military were called in to break up protests.

Urbanization While many immigrants settled on farms, thousands more moved into towns and cities. Rise in manufacturing meant more jobs in urban centres

Class Divide The Poor The Rich

Newcomers in the Cities Many immigrants coming to the cities could speak little English. Many were pushed into unsafe, low-paying factory jobs. A lot of the immigrants lived in ghettos. Lots lived in crowded two room buildings with little heat, fresh air, or water. Disease was common because of the poor living conditions.