The 1920's; Progress vs Decline

  • Prohibition (+1, social)

    Prohibition (+1, social)
    In 1918 the government banned the production and imports of alcohol. This act was largely supported by women groups across the country. Many felt that it did not support the war effort and that the grain and supplies could be put to better use. This law put in place was to help prevent drunkenness, violence, and domestic abuse. The banning of liquor appeared to work but quickly alcohol began being sold illegally and speakeasy; bars where liquor is illegally sold, were introduced.
  • The Influenza Outbreak (-2, social)

    The Influenza Outbreak (-2, social)
    Influenza, also known as the Spanish flu was a disease introduced into Canada after WW1. This respiratory virus was brought overseas by soldiers returning from war and spread very rapidly once it arrived. This pandemic resulted in the death of over 50,000 Canadians, most aged 20 - 40. Canadians seemed defenseless to this outbreak. There were many attempts to quarantine and abolish the disease but they were failed. As a result of the Influenza, the federal Department of Health was formed in 1919.
  • Winnipeg General Strike (-1, political)

    Winnipeg General Strike (-1, political)
    The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was one of the most memorable of all time. A strike was called because of negotiations between management and labour. It was called because of the poor working conditions and low wages. Almost 30,000 workers had gone on strike in only a few hours even workers such as firefighters and police.
  • Indian Act (-2, social)

    Indian Act (-2, social)
    In the 1920's, First Nations people were not happy with how their were being treated and they did not feel that it was fair. They started to push for their own rights. These protests made the government react and become more strict on treatment. They enforced an act that made in compulsory for all status First Nations children to attend residential schools.
  • Group of Seven Exhibit (+1, social)

    Group of Seven Exhibit (+1, social)
    The Group of Seven formed in 1920. The members were Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Frederick Varley. They made artworks and many displayed Canada's vast landscapes. It gave people seeing this artwork a sense of what Canada was really like.
  • Discovery of Insulin (+2, social)

    Discovery of Insulin (+2, social)
    In 1922, Charles Best; a medical student, and Dr. Frederick Banting of the University of Toronto, announced the discovery of insulin. Insulin helped to cure diabetes and regulate metabolism. This was one of the greatest medical discoveries in history. Their discovery helped to treat and cure people all around the world. For their great accomplishment, they received the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • The Halibut Treaty (+2, political)

    The Halibut Treaty (+2, political)
    The Halibut Treaty was a treaty signed between Canada and the United States. This treaty outlined the agreement on fishing rights in the pacific ocean. The signing of this treaty was a big step for Canada as it was the first treaty that Canada signed independently of Britain. Before this, Britain made decisions on behalf of Canada. This treaty proved that Canada was not dependent on Britain and it were more than capable of making its own decisions.
  • Persons Case (+1, social)

    Persons Case (+1, social)
    In 1928 women were not considered "people". Five women who made up the "Famous Five" decided to take this issue to the Privy Council in England. These women were Emily Murphy, Irene Parbly, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Edward and Louise McKinney. It was then decided that women were to be considered people. This was a major step for womens rights and for women to be seen as equal to men. With the ruling that women were "persons" they were now allowed to serve in the senate. This inspired many women.
  • Invention of Pablum (+2, social)

    Invention of Pablum (+2, social)
    In 1928, three pediatricians from Toronto's Hospital for sick children invented pablum which is a baby food supplement. These pediatricians were Dr. Frederick Tisdall, Dr. Theodore Drake, and Dr. Alan Brown. Pablum was invented to help provided babies with the essential nutrients and vitamins that they need. This helped to prevent some childhood diseases. Pablum was made up of wheat, oatmeal, yellow corn meal, bone meal, dried brewer’s yeast, and powdered alfalfa leaf.
  • Stock Market Crash (-2, economic)

    Stock Market Crash (-2, economic)
    The stock market crash of 1929 had a huge impact on Canadians. The stock market had been growing rapidly prior to that so many people had lots of money invested in the stocks, when they crashed it caused devastation all over the country. People were left with nothing and many were in financial trouble. It had a largely negative impact on the Canadian economy. The stock market crash is what ultimately lead to the great depression.