1. The “Roaring” Twenties
Boom & Bust

2. Victory, Prohibition & Jazz

3. The Economy
The wartime economy took some time to convert to civilian production
Strong demand for pulp & paper, cars and other goods that had been restricted during the war
However, prices for natural resources went down as a result of the war ending
Ontario, Quebec & British Columbia – strong economic growth due to manufacturing

4. Maritime Economy Weak Economy
Prairie farmers suffered as price of wheat decreased 60% as a result of higher global production
Prices for coal, iron, fish & lumber fell
High freight rates = 42% decrease in manufacturing as jobs shifted to Central Canada (Ont. & Que.)

5. Changes in Trade:
Britain was Canada’s largest trade partner prior to the 1920s
American economy grows rapidly after war – demand for Canadian resources
1925 – USA is Canada’s largest trade partner!
Canadian Resources → USA → American manufactured goods → Sold back to Canada
Is this trade arrangement good for Canada?

6. Foreign Ownership 1920s American investment in Canada increased
Tariff policies prevented free trade – Americans established Branch Plants
Branch Plant → Americans establish factories in Canada to produce for the Canadian market
Pros: Jobs created, investment in Canadian infrastructure
Cons: Profits returned to USA, Branch plants answer to American owners – undermine Canadian autonomy

8. Changes in Politics: Liberal Party
1919 Sir Wilfrid Laurier dies
William Lyon Mackenzie king new Liberal leader (grandson of W. L. Mackenzie)
Good compromiser (like Laurier) – cautious not to take sides

9. Changes in Politics: Conservative
Robert Borden resigned in 1920
Arthur Meighen new leader
Excellent orator – strong opinions & not very flexible

10. Changes in Politics: Progressive Party
Prairie based party
Farmers not happy with tariffs
Frustrated with power & influence of central Canada
Prairie farmers form new “Progressive” party
In 1921 form Opposition & elect first female M.P. Agnes Macphail
Agnes Macphail – First female elected to House of Commons as Progressive M.P.

11. 1925 Election 1925 GENERAL ELECTION (1925.10.29)
Conservative:
Liberal: 99
Progressive: 24
Other
According to these results which party should form the government?
Right…Arthur Meighen expected to be Prime Minister
But, the crafty politician Mackenzie King summons the support of the opposition and forms a coalition party, thus giving himself a majority…and control of the government. Look at it like this:
Government: 99 Opposition: 146 Minority: 47
Who holds the majority from this perspective?

12. Byng-King Crisis
In 1925 the Liberals under Mackenzie King formed government
Liberals were caught in corruption scandal – King’s minority government suffers vote of non-confidence
King asks Governor General Byng to call election
Byng refuses and asks Meighen to be P.M.
Meighen’s government only lasts 3 days before it falls to a vote of non-confidence as well
During the election King accuses Byng of taking orders from London and ruling Canada like a colony.

13. What do you think? Did Lord Byng overstep his role?
No, Byng was within his power to deny this request he felt it was in the best interests of all Canadians
Byng was trying to save the cost of an election if he could
Was King being honest about why Byng refused to grant him his wish for an election?
No. Byng refused to consult with London for the very reason it would appear that Canada was again being ruled as a colony
Why did Kings accusation appeal to Canadians?
King capitalized on Canadians newfound sense of nationalism and independence – Canadians were not going to tolerate taking orders from a British Lord, even if he was right!

14. Changes in Canadian Soceity
Jazz Age
Role of Women