Political Response to the Depression

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the political responses to the Great Depression in Canada.

Mackenzie King

Liberal Prime Minister who viewed the Depression as a phase of the business cycle and took no action to help non-Liberal Provinces.

R.B. Bennett

Millionaire bachelor who promised action during the Depression, advocating for public works and relief.

Keynesian economics

Economic theory proposing that government should replace private demand through massive debt spending during economic downturns.

John Maynard Keynes

British economist known for advocating government intervention during economic recessions to stimulate demand.

Proletariat

The working-class people who, according to Marxist theory, will eventually overthrow the bourgeois.

Bourgeois

The middle and upper class who own the means of production and are often seen as oppressors of the proletariat.

Tim Buck

Leader of the Canadian Communists who believed capitalism creates class conflict and advocated for a revolution.

CCF

Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, a socialist party in Canada aiming for increased labor rights and government control over businesses.

Socialism

Economic and political system advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

James Woodsworth

Leader of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation who pushed for a more significant role of labor in national decision making.

Social Credit party

Political party led by William Aberhart advocating for monetary reform to stimulate the economy through new money.

William (Bible Bill) Aberhart

Leader of the Social Credit party who suggested the government print new money to alleviate economic woes.

Maurice Duplessis

Leader of Union Nationale who used the support of French-speaking Roman Catholics to gain power in Quebec.

Union Nationale

Political party that represented French citizens' response to English capitalists in Quebec.

Quiet Revolution

Period of rapid change in Quebec during the 1960s marked by secularization and increased provincial autonomy.

Rural French citizens

The demographic that supported Maurice Duplessis in response to the Anglo-Canadian elite.

Reform and change

The message sold by Duplessis to Quebecers, despite no real reform following his rule.

RC Church

Roman Catholic Church that supported Duplessis' movement as a counter to communism.

Corruption

Dishonest or unethical conduct by those in power, contributing to the downfall of Duplessis' government.

Western Separatist sentiments

Feelings of discontent in Western Canada, fueled by perceived neglect from central Canada.

Economic downturn

A period when the economy performs poorly, leading to unemployment and reduced income.

Public works

Infrastructure projects funded by the government to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Agricultural relief

Financial assistance provided to farmers to help them cope with economic hardships.

Preferential trade conditions

Agreements that allow preferential tariffs or trading terms between countries.

Massive government debt spending

A Keynesian approach to resolve economic issues by the government borrowing and spending large amounts.

Class distinctions

Socioeconomic divisions between different classes in society, often leading to conflict.

Depression

A severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity, characterized by high unemployment and low consumer spending.

Economic crisis

A significant disruption in the economy that can lead to a recession or depression.

Government intervention

Actions taken by a government to influence its economy, particularly during a recession.

Economic policies

Plans and actions taken by government to manage economic issues such as growth, inflation, and unemployment.

Labor rights

Legal rights and protections afforded to workers concerning their work environments and conditions.