🇨🇦History of Canada – 1867 to Present Unit 6 – The Roaring Twenties: Canada's Transformative Era

Key Events and Timeline

• The Roaring Twenties in Canada spanned from 1920 to 1929 following the end of World War I (1914-1918)
• The period was marked by economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social changes
• The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was a major labor dispute that set the stage for workers' rights
  • Over 30,000 workers walked off their jobs demanding better wages and working conditions
  • The strike lasted for six weeks and ended with the intervention of the federal government
• The discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in 1921 revolutionized the treatment of diabetes
• The first trans-Canada radio broadcast took place in 1927 connecting Canadians from coast to coast
• The stock market crash of 1929 marked the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Great Depression

Political Landscape

• The Liberal Party, led by William Lyon Mackenzie King, dominated Canadian politics throughout the 1920s
  • King served as Prime Minister for most of the decade (1921-1926, 1926-1930)
• The Conservative Party, led by Arthur Meighen, formed a brief government in 1926 but lost the subsequent election
• The Progressive Party emerged as a significant third party representing farmers and rural interests
• Women's suffrage was achieved at the federal level in 1918 and in most provinces by the early 1920s
  • Agnes Macphail became the first woman elected to the House of Commons in 1921
• The 1920s saw the rise of regionalism and the formation of provincial parties like the United Farmers of Alberta

Economic Boom and Challenges

• The Canadian economy experienced significant growth during the 1920s driven by resource extraction, manufacturing, and trade
• The development of new industries such as automobiles, radios, and household appliances fueled economic expansion
• The Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) benefited from high wheat prices and increased agricultural exports
• The Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island) faced economic challenges due to declining traditional industries like shipbuilding and fishing
• The Fordney-McCumber Tariff Act of 1922 imposed high tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States straining trade relations
• The concentration of wealth and income inequality became more pronounced during the decade
  • The top 1% of Canadians held a disproportionate share of the nation's wealth
  • Urban poverty and slum conditions persisted despite the economic boom

Social and Cultural Shifts

• The 1920s witnessed significant changes in Canadian society and culture
• Urbanization accelerated as more Canadians moved from rural areas to cities in search of job opportunities
  • By 1931, over 50% of the population lived in urban centers
• The rise of consumerism and mass media shaped popular culture and lifestyles
  • Radio broadcasting, movies, and magazines became increasingly popular forms of entertainment
  • Advertising promoted new consumer goods and influenced fashion trends
• The "flapper" style embodied the changing roles and expectations of women
  • Short hair, shorter skirts, and a more liberated attitude challenged traditional gender norms
• The temperance movement, which advocated for the prohibition of alcohol, gained momentum
  • Several provinces enacted prohibition laws, but most were repealed by the end of the decade
• Jazz music and dance halls became popular forms of entertainment reflecting a more relaxed social atmosphere

Technological Advancements

• The 1920s saw rapid advancements in technology that transformed daily life and industries
• The widespread adoption of automobiles and the expansion of road networks increased mobility and reshaped urban landscapes
  • By 1929, there were over 1 million registered vehicles in Canada
  • The construction of highways and service stations facilitated travel and tourism
• The development of radio technology connected Canadians across vast distances
  • The Canadian National Railway (CNR) established the country's first radio network in 1923
  • Radio programming included news, music, and entertainment shows
• Electrification expanded bringing modern conveniences to households
  • Electric lighting, refrigerators, and washing machines became more common in urban homes
• Advancements in aviation, such as the first transatlantic flight by a Canadian (John Alcock) in 1919, paved the way for commercial air travel

Canadian Identity and Nationalism

• The 1920s contributed to the development of a distinct Canadian identity and sense of nationalism
• The Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian landscape painters, gained prominence for their depictions of the country's rugged wilderness
  • Their artwork celebrated the unique beauty of the Canadian landscape and shaped perceptions of national identity
• The Canadian National Railway (CNR) played a significant role in nation-building
  • The railway connected distant regions, facilitated trade, and promoted a sense of national unity
• The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation in 1927 marked the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation
  • Celebrations and commemorations across the country fostered a sense of national pride and identity
• The Balfour Declaration of 1926 affirmed Canada's autonomy within the British Empire
  • It recognized Canada's right to conduct its own foreign policy and negotiate international treaties

Global Context and International Relations

• Canada's international relations during the 1920s were influenced by its status as a Dominion within the British Empire
• Canada participated in the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 and signed the Treaty of Versailles as a separate nation
  • This marked Canada's growing autonomy and international recognition
• Canada became a member of the League of Nations in 1920 and played an active role in international diplomacy
  • Prime Minister Mackenzie King advocated for collective security and disarmament
• The Imperial Conferences of 1923 and 1926 redefined the relationship between Britain and its Dominions
  • The Balfour Declaration of 1926 recognized the equal status of the Dominions within the British Empire
• Canada's trade relations with the United States were strained by protectionist policies like the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Act of 1922
  • The tariff act imposed high duties on Canadian exports leading to a decline in cross-border trade
• Canada established diplomatic relations with several countries during the 1920s
  • The first Canadian legation (diplomatic mission) opened in Washington, D.C., in 1927

Legacy and Impact on Modern Canada

• The Roaring Twenties had a lasting impact on Canadian society, politics, and culture
• The economic boom of the 1920s laid the foundation for Canada's modern industrial economy
  • The growth of manufacturing, resource extraction, and trade shaped Canada's economic landscape
• The social and cultural changes of the decade, such as urbanization and the rise of consumerism, continued to influence Canadian lifestyles
• The technological advancements of the 1920s, particularly in transportation and communication, transformed the way Canadians lived and worked
  • The widespread adoption of automobiles and radio technology had enduring effects on Canadian society
• The political developments of the 1920s, such as the affirmation of Canadian autonomy and the rise of regionalism, shaped Canada's political landscape
  • The Balfour Declaration of 1926 laid the groundwork for Canada's eventual independence from Britain
• The artistic and cultural achievements of the 1920s, such as the work of the Group of Seven, contributed to the development of a distinct Canadian identity
• The legacy of the Roaring Twenties continues to resonate in modern Canada
  • The decade's economic, social, and cultural transformations have had lasting effects on Canadian society and identity