Oxford - Canada

Conscription Crisis of 1917

• A major political and cultural divide during WWI.

• English Canadians supported conscription; French Canadians opposed it.

• Led to riots and deepened linguistic and regional tensions.

William Lyon Mackenzie King

• Longest-serving Canadian Prime Minister.

• Known for cautious leadership and balancing interests.

• Led Canada through the Depression and WWII

British North America Act

• Created the Dominion of Canada.

• Established federal structure and division of powers.

• Renamed the Constitution Act, 1867 after patriation in 1982

Non-traditional parties of 1920s

• Rise of regional and protest parties like the Progressive Party.

• Reflected dissatisfaction with traditional Liberal and Conservative platforms

New Political Parties of the 1930s

• Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF): Democratic socialist, precursor to the NDP.

• Social Credit Party: Advocated monetary reform; popular in Alberta.

• Union Nationale: Quebec nationalist party led by Maurice Duplessis.

• Reconstruction Party: Founded by H.H. Stevens, focused on economic reform

Consumer Boom of the 1920s

• Rising wages, new technologies, and mass production.

• Growth in automobile, paper, and branch plant industries.

• Advertising and credit fueled consumerism.

Branch Plants/Paper & Automobile

• U.S. companies opened Canadian subsidiaries (branch plants).

• Paper industry thrived due to global demand.

• Automobile production surged, especially in Ontario

Reasons for end of economic boom

1. Overproduction

2. Unequal wealth distribution

3. Stock market speculation

4. High tariffs

5. Decline in global trade

GD in Canada

Economic Impact

• GNP fell by 42% between 1929–1933.

• Unemployment reached 30%.

• Export-dependent provinces (especially in the West) were hit hardest.

Social Impact

• Widespread poverty, homelessness, and hunger.

• Immigration and birth rates plummeted.

• Rise of social welfare and political activism

Leadership & Response

Richard Bedford Bennett

• Conservative PM (1930–1935).

• Initially used tariffs and relief camps.

• Later proposed a “New Deal” with social programs, but it was too late.

Bennett’s Response to the Depression

• Relief camps for single unemployed men.

• High tariffs and imperial trade.

• Proposed reforms in 1935 (minimum wage, pensions, insurance).

Election of 1935

• Liberals under Mackenzie King won in a landslide.

• Conservatives lost support due to ineffective Depression policies.

• Rise of new parties like CCF and Social Credit

Protest & reform

Relief Camps

• Government-run camps offering food and shelter for 20¢/day.

• Criticized for poor conditions and lack of meaningful work.

On to Ottawa Trek

• 1935 protest by relief camp workers.

• Traveled from BC to Ottawa demanding better conditions.

• Stopped in Regina, leading to confrontation.

Regina Riot

• July 1, 1935: Violent clash between RCMP and protesters.

• One police officer and one protester killed.

• Symbolized growing unrest and government resistance

Social & Cultural Movements

Social Gospel Movement

• Applied Christian ethics to social issues.

• Advocated for labor rights, poverty relief, and public health.

• Influenced formation of the United Church and CCF.

Group of Seven

• Canadian landscape painters (1920–1933).

• Celebrated rugged northern scenery.

• Helped define Canadian artistic identity.

Depression Era Culture

• Rise of realism in literature and art.

• Radio and film offered escapism.

• Cultural nationalism grew through art and music.

Hockey (NHL)

• NHL expanded despite economic hardship.

• Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs were dominant.

• Depression led to team relocations and financial struggles