1. The First modern decade
The 1950’s
The First modern decade

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

26. 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

32. 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