The Interwar Wars Unit Test Flashcards
The Spanish Flu (1918 Influenza):
A deadly global pandemic that killed millions, including many in Canada.
The Winnipeg General Strike (1919):
A massive strike by workers demanding better wages and conditions, one of Canada’s most significant labor movements.
‘Bloody Saturday’ (June 21, 1919):
A violent confrontation during the Winnipeg General Strike where police and military clashed with protestors, resulting in deaths and injuries.
Prohibition:
The legal ban on alcohol sales and production, leading to illegal activities like rum running.
‘Rum running’:
The smuggling of alcohol during Prohibition, often from Canada to the U.S.
Speakeasy:
Illegal bars where people drank during Prohibition.
The Famous Five:
A group of women (including Nellie McClung) who fought for women’s rights in Canada, including the Persons’ Case.
Persons’ Case (1929):
A landmark legal decision where women were declared “persons” under Canadian law.
Flappers:
Young women in the 1920s who challenged traditional norms with bold fashion, short hair, and lively behavior.
The ‘Roaring Twenties’:
A period of economic growth, cultural shifts, and technological advancements
New Fashion Trends and Fads:
Styles like bobbed hair and activities like dance marathons symbolized the modern lifestyle.flappers
Dancing the Charleston:
A popular energetic dance of the 1920s, linked with jazz culture.
Radio and Jazz:
Radios brought entertainment into homes, spreading jazz music, which defined the decade.
Cars/Assembly Lines:
Revolutionized by Henry Ford, who made vehicles affordable through mass production.
Ford Model T:
The first widely affordable car, changing transportation and daily life.
Branch Plants:
Factories owned by U.S. companies but located in Canada, symbolizing growing economic ties and American influence.
“Americanization”:
The spread of U.S. culture, products, and influence in Canada.
Chanak Affair (1922):
A conflict where Canada refused to automatically support Britain in Turkey, showing its growing independence.
Statute of Westminster (1931):
A law that gave Canada full control over its laws, establishing greater sovereignty.Full legal independence
The Halibut Treaty (1923):
Canada’s first treaty signed independently of Britain, regarding fishing rights with the U.S.
William Lyon Mackenzie King:
Prime Minister during much of this period, known for his cautious leadership style.(lost election before the Great Depression)
‘Xenophobia’:
Fear or hatred of foreigners, which was widespread after WWI.
Chinese Exclusion Act (1923):
A racist law banning most Chinese immigration to Canada. From 1923-1947
Immigration Act 1919:
Restricted immigration based on nationality and political beliefs, often targeting “undesirable” groups.post WW1 enemy aliens.
Buying on Margin:
A practice of buying stocks with borrowed money, contributing to the 1929 stock market crash. Only pay 10 to 20%
Causes of the Stock Market Crash:
Overproduction, buying on margin, and an unstable economy led to the collapse.
‘Black Tuesday’ (October 29, 1929):
The day the stock market crashed, marking the start of the Great Depression.
Drought and the Dustbowl:
Severe drought in the Prairies destroyed farmland, worsening the Depression.
Relief Camps:
Government-run camps for unemployed men, often criticized for poor conditions. Paid 20cents a day
Relief Payments:
Financial aid for struggling families, though often inadequate.
On-to-Ottawa Trek (1935):
A protest by relief camp workers demanding better conditions, leading to the Regina Riot
The Regina Riot:
A violent clash between protestors and police during the Trek.
Bennett Buggies:
Cars pulled by horses because people couldn’t afford gas, named after PM R.B. Bennett.
Frederick Banting:
Canadian scientist who co-discovered insulin, providing hope amidst hardship.
Social Credit Party:
Advocated for economic reforms to combat the Depression, popular in Western Canada. Suggested giving citizens “social credit” (money to boost spending).
Union Nationale:
A Quebec-based political party focused on defending French-Canadian interests.
Societys mood post ww1
After World War I, many Canadians felt exhausted and disillusioned. Veterans returned to a society struggling with economic challenges and social change. Divisions between English and French Canadians deepened due to controversies like conscription during the war
Veterans’ Issues:
-Difficulty finding jobs.
-No government support for mental or physical injuries (no pensions, no proper medical care).
-Some veterans felt abandoned after risking their lives for the country.
Role of Women in the 1920s
Women began to gain more independence by working outside the home and participating in public life. Right to vote federally and provincially
Women’s Benefits received
-In 1918, most women won the right to vote federally.
-1929 – “Persons Case”: Women were legally recognized as “persons,” allowing them to hold positions like Senators.
Key Events and Political Changes for Women
-Famous Five: A group of women fought for women’s rights in court.
-Women worked in offices, factories, and as teachers, nurses, and telephone operators.
Labour Issues in the 1920s (Conditions Faced:)
-Low wages, long hours, unsafe working environments.
-Little to no job security or workers’ rights.
Labour Issues in the 1920s (What Labourers Wanted)
Better wages, shorter hours, safer workplaces, and the right to unionize.
Labour Issues in the 1920s (How They Demonstrated Anger:)
Strikes: The most famous was the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, where over 30,000 workers walked off their jobs to protest poor conditions.
Protests and riots sometimes occurred, showing workers’ frustrations.
Inventions and New Products
-Automobiles: Made travel easier (e.g., Ford Model T).
-Radios: Connected Canadians through news, music, and entertainment.
-Electricity: Allowed for household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuums.
-Telephones: Improved communication.
Inventions and New Products, Impact on Canadians’ Lives:
More leisure time due to appliances.
Faster travel and communication.
A more connected and modern society.
Groups Facing Discrimination:
Indigenous Peoples: Forced to attend residential schools (designed to erase their culture).
Immigrants: Many from Eastern Europe and Asia faced prejudice and were often denied jobs or treated unfairly. Chinese Ex Act
Black Canadians: Faced segregation and limited job opportunities.
Government Policies regarding discrimination
-The government restricted immigration, especially from non-European countries.
-Indian Act: Enforced control over Indigenous peoples’ lives and land.
Main Causes: The Great Depression of the 1930s
- Overproduction of goods led to unsold products and factory shutdowns.
- Too much reliance on USA
- Falling wheat prices hurt farmers.
- Stock Market Crash of 1929 triggered worldwide economic problems.
- Trade slowed due to high tariffs (taxes on imports).
Why It’s Called the “Dirty 30s
Severe droughts turned farmland into “dust bowls,” destroying crops and leaving people with no food or income. Dirty looking for work
Daily Struggles During the Great Depression
- High unemployment (1 in 4 Canadians had no job). Peak 1in 3 by 1933
- Families lost their homes and had little food.
- Many survived by relying on soup kitchens or government relief payments.
Government Actions During Great Depression
At first, the government was slow to respond. Prime Minister R.B. Bennett introduced relief programs like:
- Work Relief Camps: Poorly paid jobs for unemployed men.
- Relief Payments: Small financial help for families.
New Ideas and Political Parties introduced during the Great Depression
- Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF): Promoted socialism, calling for fair wages, public healthcare, and government control of businesses.
- Social Credit Party: Suggested giving citizens “social credit” (money to boost spending).
- Union Nationale (Quebec): Focused on improving rural life and protecting French-Canadian rights.
