Chapter 4 History Flashcards
1
Q
- The Stock Market Crash
A
- During 1920’s industry expanded from consumption w/ credit (getting before paying) in Canada.
- As economy slowed down, overproduction ensued
- Caused manufactures to stockpile & lower prices before producing fewer goods, causing layoffs
- People couldn’t pay bills/buy goods, slowing down economy even more.
2
Q
- Canada’s Reliance on Exports and Wheat
A
- Canadian economy relied on exports, particularly wheat from Praires and newsprint from BC, ON, QU
- Made Canadian economy vulnerable to world market changes. 80% farm, mine + forest production exported.
- 1920’s → wheat farmers in CA + US produced record crops and sold for record prices
- More countries produced wheat, causing wheat overproduction and prices fell
- Decreased income, causing inability to pay mortgages/loans.
3
Q
- The Great Depression Globally
A
- Canadian economy hit from US being largest investor + trading partner.
- US imposed tariffs, causing countries to employ protectionism in response.
- Lead to slowdown in world trade, causing Canadian exports to decrease substantially.
4
Q
- Investors in the early 1920’s
A
- Business boomed in early 20’s, so companies raised money by issuing shares (stocks) that investors brought, hoping values of shares would rise
- Canadian companies issued $700M in stock between 1922 - 1926.
- Many investors bought “on margin” (buying shares w/ 10% down payment, assuming value of shares would be increased to make profit, known as “speculation”).
5
Q
- Investments before the Great Depression
A
- High demand had driven price of stocks beyond real value and loans for stocks were easy to obtain.
- Investors sold stocks, leading others to do so, so stock prices fell, leading people to sell even further.
- Investors who borrowed to buy shares bankrupted in one day, and crash affected millions of Canadians despite few investing in stock.
6
Q
- Prarie Farmers and Natural Factors
A
- In 1920’s, Prairie farmers planted wheat for global demand and rising prices, but one-crop farming took toll on soil. Farmers replaced native grasses w/ wheat, using up soil nutrients.
- Just after economic crash, Prairies were hit by disastrous 8 year drought, causing inability to grow crops.
7
Q
- Natural Factors II
A
- Millions of hectares of topsoil blew away, leading to constant dust storms by mid-spring of 1931
- Hit semi-arid area in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan “Palliser’s Triangle” especially hard.
- Plague of grasshoppers descended, wiping out remaining crops farmers could’ve grown, forcing families to abandon their land.
8
Q
- Economic Difficulties
A
- Only 300,000 Canadians earned enough income to pay income tax in 1939 in pop. of 11 million
- Married people earning +$2,000 and singles earning +$1,000 paid tax. Evictions ensued from depression.
- Thousands relied on “pogey” (government payments), but low ($60 in Calg. and $19 in Hali. for family of 5) to encourage search for work.
9
Q
- Conditions for Receiving Aid
A
- People waited for hours and publicly declare financial failure, and swore they didn’t own anything of value and prove eviction from home, receiving vouchers for food/essentials.
- Charity provided used clothing + meals, and soup kitchens helped hungry.
10
Q
- Male Unemployment
A
- Winter of 1933, +¼ quarter of Canadian workforce unemployed, filled w/ young, jobless men (transients) looking for work by “hopping” freight trains.
- After “riding the rails”, they’d stay at shantytowns “jungles” springing in/around cities.
11
Q
- Immigrant Conditions
A
- Immigrants viewed w/ hostility in Canada by competing for jobs. Immigrants lost jobs, leading 28,000 of them to be deported by 1935.
- In Vancouver, Chinese didn’t qualify for relief. Jews faced antisemitism by being banned from professions/jobs, and clubs/organizations banned jews.
12
Q
- Aboriginal Conditions
A
- Aboriginals only received $5 a month compared to $19-$60 by non-Aboriginals
- Expected to live off land despite poor state. Govt took reserve land, further squandering resources.
- Government took land from Squamish Capilano Indian Reserve to build Lions Gate Bridge
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth rode in 1939, despite request by Squamish to stop.
13
Q
- Women
A
- Few jobs for women other than domestic work paying few dollars per week, some believing working women contributed to Depression.
- Unemployed single women didn’t qualify for relief and needed charity.
- In Vancouver, women’s groups campaigned for more support, leading city to provide milk for babies, clothing allowances, and medical care for pregnant women.
14
Q
- Conditions for the Wealthy
A
Wealthy individuals noticed little changes in lifestyle. As deflation occurred, conditions for those w/ jobs improved.
15
Q
- PM Mackenzie King’s Actions
A
- PM Mackenzie King unprepared for Depression, believing it was temporary
- Told Canadians financial aid was of municipal and provincial govts, despite bankruptcies of several municipalities.
- King said he wouldn’t give “a five-cent piece” to a Conservative provincial govt.
- Led King to lose to PM Richard Bedford Bennett and Conservative majority govt.