Chapter 5 Prosperity and Depression Grade 9 Social Studies Chapter 5 Prosperity and Depression

The War is Over (1918) Things did not quickly return to normal why? Economy changes from wartime to peacetime economy Europe ’s demand for Canadian goods during the war decreased causing a slump in the economy Hardest hit were the Maritimes and the Prairies (Fish & Wheat demand declined) Price of regular goods was going up, but wages were not, causing slow sales Unemployment went up and many soldiers returning home were out of work.

A Buoyant Economy for Some (1923) By 1923, Central Canada , BC, and The Prairies, had begun to recover from the economic slump, and entered a period of growth why?

Reasons Agriculture production increased as the demand went up Mining activity increased in these areas Trade with USA increased mostly because of the demand for pulp and paper

Changing Technologies increased production: Technology Changes: Branch Plant Factories(a business owned and controlled by a company in another country) built to avoid tariffs Changing Technologies increased production: Technology Changes: 1) Electricity 2) Assembly Line 3) Electric Appliances

Stalled Economy for Others The Economic boom of the 1920’s did not get to The Maritimes or Newfoundland, why?

** This brought about talks for Maritime Union** Reasons A decline in shipbuilding after the war Increased cost of railway freight rates Lack of electricity in the area, As a result: Secondary Industries (Pulp & Paper) slow to develop. Primary Industries (Farm & Fisheries) exploited (Overused) ** This brought about talks for Maritime Union**

Lifestyle and Technology The Roaring 20’s - The 1920’s were called this because of the good times and social freedoms. New Technologies brought on mass production

The Haves In places that prospered, wages increased. People then had more money to spend on new products. Installment Plans buy now pay later plans were introduced as people thought the good times would last for ever, people did not worry about the debt they were gaining.

New Luxury Items for Purchase: Cars - ownership became possible Telephones – ¼ families in 1920, by 1929 ¾ of families Electrical Appliances

The Have Nots The have nots those who did not prosper

Who made up the have nots? Rural Canadians many worked but had trouble making ends meet (Working Poor) Immigrants (Working Poor) Women were employed and lost jobs due to the return of the soldiers

First Nations Government still hoping for assimilation – where first nations would become part of mainstream culture, and give up their own values, beliefs, and cultures. Assimilation was enforced by government by forcing first nation students into schools where their personal cultures were forbidden.

Leisure/Sport/Changing Attitudes Leisure activities included radio and motion pictures (Silent movies) Sports included baseball, football, boxing, and hockey Changing Attitudes Clubs introduced, dancing, alcohol, and many new types of fashion. All of these things were considered controversial to many.

The Great Depression Black Tuesday Terms to know: Oct.29, 1929 this signified the end of the Roaring 20’s and the beginning of The Great Depression, as The New York Stock Exchange crashed. Terms to know: Stock Share Dividend Victory bonds Interest

Causes Over spending in the 20’s Credit was too easy Over production Close connection to the US Economy Decrease in International Trade Bank Failures Unemployment Grew

Depression lasted most of the 1930’s, and only recovered with the start of World War II.

Social Conditions Unemployment ruined lives Disadvantaged groups conditions worsened Luxury items almost all but disappeared People were homeless and hungry No Government programs to help those in need

People in need resorted to: Begging Working in relief camps to help build roads etc. Some became hobos and rode the rails

Escape From Hard Times Children found ways to entertain themselves (imagination) These were times of creativity and resourcefulness

Political Changes Canadians lost faith in Political parties New parties were formed as result New parties brought new ideas

New Political Parties 1) Communist Party all people share in the prosperity equally 2) Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) a coalition of farmers, labor union leaders, and professors, they believed in private ownership and government services

4) National Party of Quebec 3) Social Credit Party felt the Government should hand over money to people to get the economy moving again. 4) National Party of Quebec a group of former Liberals and Conservatives who had ideas for change to the end the Depression

Note: None of these parties ways ended the depression, times just gradually started to improve due to WWII