The Roaring Twenties? “It was an era of new prosperity…. A social and cultural revolution was evident in the new clothing styles, changes in mass entertainment, growth of spectator sports, increasing leisure, and mobility… Canada was evolving towards political independence…. Yet the twenties was also a decade of trouble and contradiction. The prosperity was not shared by all….Immigrants continued to come [and] found unexpected prejudices….Differences in attitudes and values developed between young and old… [and] youth responded to the new industrial culture brought to them by advertising, radio, jazz, films, and the automobile.” In short, for many the decade offered cause for celebration; for others, the “Roaring Twenties” would not live up to the hype.

CANADA’S DIAMOND JUBILEE EXPO 1927

The context The year is 1927 and the Liberal government of Mackenzie King has decided to celebrate the success of Canada as a newly recognized country on the international scene. The celebration will take the form of a two day exposition, with keynote speakers, presenters, displays and entertainment, the purpose of which will be to both educate and entertain. It will certainly be an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of the young nation and its people. Like with any exposition focusing on national accomplishments, there will be protests from individuals and groups who may not share the same optimism for the state of the country.

The Task Imagine that you are a member of the organizing team for the Diamond Jubilee expo. You’ll need to decide on: ◦A keynote speaker ◦Presenters/ speakers ◦Displays ◦Entertainment And plan for the possible protests ◦Not everyone will be in the mood to celebrate.

The Product Option 1: (Individually) Write a report describing what you would include in your jubilee celebration and who you might expect as protestors outside the event. You would need to include a brief synopsis for the keynote speakers, each of the presenters, displays, events that will be part of the celebration as well as a report on expected protestors and why they might be there. Option 2: (2-3 people) Create a detailed visual display board to promote the event. Who will be the keynote and what will be the subject of their speech? Who are the other presenters? What displays and events will happen throughout the two day event? For each of these, include a brief summary about why they are being included in the jubilee. In addition to the jubilee, include a section for the anti-jubilee protestors as well. Option 3: In groups of 4 “cover” the event. Script and perform (either live or on video) a news broadcast or talk show segments that covers the diamond jubilee. Interview the keynote speakers, talk about the presenters, the displays and the entertainment. Interview the protesters to find out what their concerns may be.

The Process Read each of the assigned sections and complete research notes on your jubilee arrow. This will allow you as a group to identify topics, events, people, issues that must be included. ◦ Labour and economy ◦ Innovation and invention Scrapbook pages 34-35, 32-34, 2-3 ◦ Arts and Entertainment 69-71, 84 ◦ Women in politics and society: and handout ◦ Missing the roar? ◦ A Nation Divided? ◦ Canada’s Emerging Autonomy 80-83

The Process 2 Once research is complete, discuss as a group and decide on a keynote speaker at the expo. Decide on presenters. Who else should be included in the celebration and why? Prepare summaries of their presentations/speeches. Decide on displays and entertainment. Plan for the protestors. Who might show up to protest and why? Plan, design and create your product. Remember to include visuals for the displays.

Assessment: what will be for marks Content: see content outcomes / checklist Organization and Visual Impact Research Notes Group processes (Collaboration) “Judging” sheet to be completed individually.