The First modern decade The 1950’s The First modern decade

The Growth of a Nation Under the leadership of Joey Smallwood, Newfoundland joins confederation It is the last province to join Canada 1949, Canada’s borders grow to their current size

1950s Economy Very similar to the 1920s Post-war economic boom Massive increases in Immigration because of so many jobs Mostly construction and manufacturing work

Canada and the USA Canada and the USA develop a tight friendship during WWII We join NATO and NORAD with the USA US invests billions of dollars in the Canadian Economy and becomes our largest trading partner US money helps build and modernize the Canadian economy However, the USA develops great influence over Canada because the control thousands of jobs Canada becomes a “Branch Plant” economy

The Baby Boom Good jobs and lonely soldiers creates an immense amount of children in the 50’s. Massive increases in population Education across Canada is expanded to make room for all the kids The Baby Boom generation is the largest age group in Canada and have made a special impact on Canadian society. For example, retirement planning and health care are huge issues in Canada because the baby boomers are reaching their 60s and 70s

1950s Culture Television invented – newest and most popular form of entertainment Cars benefited from WWII technology – far more reliable and powerful The Car became the symbol of the 50s and the ultimate status symbol – in the 50s everything was done in cars Cities expanded as the first Subdivisions were built Fast food chains were first developed Rock and Roll Music exploded in the 50s – adapted from “Rhythm and Blues” It was loved by kids and hated by adults – considered devil music Elvis Presley was the “King of Rock and Roll” Canadian Paul Anka was the first teenage heart throb.

The Teenager The 1950s saw the introduction of mandatory high school In the past, teenagers were expected act like adults - most people were married and had full time jobs in their late teens and early 20s. Now, teenagers stayed in school and could still act like kids Teens had money and extra time – they rebelled against society and developed their own sub-culture (music, fashion, language and value system) The beginning of the generation gap as parents and children could not understand each other

Key Points Newfoundland joins Canada Economic boom in the 50s Canada becomes a “branch plant” of the USA Baby Boom generation in born First subdivisions are created 50s culture – TVs, Cars, Fast Food, Rock and Roll Modern teenagers are created because of mandatory high school