Canada in the 1920s & 1930s

These flashcards cover key economic terms, causes, and effects of the Great Depression in Canada, as well as political changes, social issues, and advances in women's rights during the 1920s and 1930s.

Depression

A long time when the economy is really bad: lots of people lose jobs, money, and homes.

Prosperity

Doing well economically; people have jobs and money.

Recovery

When the economy starts getting better after a depression.

Supply and Demand

If there’s too much stuff and not enough buyers, prices drop and businesses fail.

Overproduction

Factories and farms made more goods than people could afford to buy.

Consumerism

People buying lots of goods, often using credit.

Buying on Credit

Buying now, paying later.

Buying on Margin

Borrowing money to buy stocks, which is very risky.

Stock Market Crash (1929)

People panicked and sold stocks, leading to bank failures and economic collapse.

Dependence on Exports

Canada relied on selling wheat, lumber, and minerals to other countries.

Protectionism / Tariffs

Countries raised taxes on imports, leading to less trade and worse economy.

Dust Bowl

Environmental disaster caused by drought and wind, destroying farms on the Prairies.

Unemployment

Millions lost their jobs during the Great Depression.

Living Conditions during Depression

People lived in shacks, soup kitchens, and relief lines.

Pogey

Government relief money during the Great Depression, often insufficient.

Hobos / Riding the Rails

Unemployed men illegally rode trains looking for work.

Unemployment Relief Act

Government program that gave money to provinces for relief.

Relief Camps

Camps where single men did hard labor for very low pay, causing protests.

CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation)

Political party that wanted social programs and help for workers.

Regina Manifesto

CCF's plan to end capitalism and support workers.

Social Credit Party

Political party that promised money to citizens to boost spending.

Persons Case (1929)

Legal recognition of women as 'persons' in Canada.

Residential Schools

Schools that forced Indigenous children to abandon their culture and language.

Banning of Ceremonies

Traditional practices among Indigenous peoples were outlawed.

Immigration Restrictions

Canada limited who could enter during hard times.

Halibut Treaty (1923)

Treaty signed by Canada without Britain, marking a step toward independence.

Statute of Westminster (1931)

Legally granted Canada independence from Britain.

Old Age Pension Act (1927)

The first major social safety net for seniors in Canada.

King-Byng Crisis

Political event demonstrating Canada's independence from Britain.