Canadian History 1201

Introduction:  Also known as the “ROARING TWENTIES.” It was a time of glamour and prosperity for many.  There were: “hot jazz,” dance halls, movies, radio, and cars

Socially/Economically:  It looked as if people were making up for the misery of war, by enjoying themselves as much as possible.  By late 1920’s, over half of Canadians lived in industrial urban centers.  More Canadians had more money to spend on consumer goods.  Northern Canada began to open up (railways, bush pilots)  Politically:  The Union Government still in power.  But new political ideas were beginning across the land.  Unions and protest parties began to take hold of the political landscape.  A whole new group of female voters began to have an impact.

Internationally:  Still part of British Empire.  But becoming increasingly independent.  Began to focus on friendly ties with the U.S.

Early 1920s Postwar Canada: Economic and Social Unrest  When W.W.I ended, wartime industries such as munitions factories closed down.  Many workers were laid off their jobs.  Women, who played an important role in the wartime factories, were under pressure to return to household duties so that men could have jobs.  Thousands of returning soldiers were looking for work, but jobs were hard to find.

 Many war veterans were unemployed and bitter.  They resented the fact that some business people at home made huge profits in war industries while the soldiers risked their lives in Europe.  Veterans felt that the country at least owed them a job and a chance to make an honest living.

 People who did have jobs in Canada in 1919 were not much better off.  The problem was rapid INFLATION.  This meant that prices of basic items such as food and clothing had increased greatly, while wages had not.  The cost of living in Canada had more than doubled from 1914 to  Housing was scarce and costly, and rents were high.

 Workers and returning soldiers wanted their share of prosperity.  They joined unions to fight for better living and working conditions.  In 1918 and 1919, workers across the country staged strikes.  Refer to fig. 4.1.e, on page 107.

Winnipeg General Strike  Was one of the most important and dramatic strikes in Canadian history.  Building and metal trades’ workers voted to strike in May,  To show their support, 30,000 other workers in Winnipeg walked off the job.  Basically all industries and key services were shut down.  Ottawa sent the Mounties and soldiers to put down the strike.  On June 21, known as BLOODY SATURDAY, violence erupted in Winnipeg.

 The Mounties, charged the parade; shots fired; one striker killed; and strike leaders were arrested and sentenced to jail terms.  The combined force of government, factory owners, and Mounted Police had defeated the strikers.  The workers were ordered to return to their jobs.  When strikers went back to work, some were forced to promise not to become a union member or to become involved in union activities.  Others found they had no job to back too. Employers branded them as troublemakers and fired them on the spot.

 The strike did draw attention to the social and economic conditions faced by many working people.  A royal commission was appointed to investigate the causes of the strike.  It concluded that the strike was caused by the high cost of living, poor working conditions, and low wages.  Labour leaders turned to politics to make their voices heard.  Many were elected to all levels of government in the 1920’s.

Economic Boom  By the mid-1920’s, life started to get better for most Canadians as the after effects of the war were beginning to wear off.  Businesses picked up as foreign investors gained new confidence in Canada.  By the middle of the decade, the economy was on the upswing.  In regions across the country, industries were growing:  Demand for wheat soared to record levels.

 Domestic and foreign industrial demand for iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, and other metals caused a mining boom.  The pulp and paper industry expanded rapidly as it supplied the demands of the huge American market.  The automobile industry grew to become the 4 th largest manufacturing industry in Canada. (read insert pg. 112)  Production of household goods also increased. (refer to fig. 4.2.c, pg. 111)  A dramatic increase in the production of hydro- electric power.  People called the 1920’s the “Oil Age,” the demand soared.

 The most dramatic industrial development was in Central Canada.  Toronto and Montreal continued to prosper as it did before W.W.I.  However, other urban centres began to specialize in particular goods.  Examples:  Hamilton – iron and steel production.  Kitchener – rubber products and furniture.  Windsor – cars, trucks and automobile parts.

Economic Problems  Not all farmers prospered.  A lot left the “fields” for the city.  Due to farm machinery being too costly and a lot of them used up the land too quickly (inexperienced).  The coal mining industry in the Maritimes was hit hard.  Main reason was a shift from coal to oil and electricity.  A lot lost their jobs or wages were cut.  During the 1920’s, a lot left for other parts of Canada or to the U.S

Mid-Late 1920s (The Good Times)  In the 1920’s, it must have seemed that the world was suddenly smaller for many people.  New inventions such as the radio, talking films, mass produced automobiles, and air travel meant that people in the remotest areas of the country were no longer as isolated.  They could share in common forms of entertainment, travel to other regions, and tune in to the latest news broadcasts.  While not everyone could afford the new FADS and inventions, they moved to within the reach of more than just wealthy.

 More and more Canadians were moving into the “modern age.”  Many people moved into the cities to work in factories or in service industries.  Wages were rising for many people.  Buying on CREDIT was now possible.

 All of the new developments in the 1920’s, created a huge confidence in the economy.  The result of this confidence was people began to buy STOCKS in businesses.  This created a STOCK MARKET BOOM.