History study sheet

Unit 1 – Immigration

Clifford SiftonTasked with promoting immigration to Canada as a means to populate the west and stimulate economic growth. Sifton served as Minister of the Interior from 1896 to 1905 and focused on attracting settlers to the Prairie provinces.

Immigration Policy and PlansDeveloped policies to encourage immigration, particularly from Europe. Implemented a marketing campaign showcasing Canada as a land of opportunity, aimed at attracting settlers who possessed farming skills.

People/Countries Sifton Promoted Immigration ToEncouraged immigrants specifically from regions with agricultural expertise such as Britain, the United States, Central, and Eastern Europe, including Ukrainians, Poles, Germans, and Scandinavians, believing they would thrive and contribute to Canada's agricultural economy.

Positive Aspects of ImmigrationContributed to economic growth, cultural diversity, and population expansion. Immigrants played a vital role in developing the agricultural sector and infrastructure in Canada.

Struggles/Accomplishments of ImmigrantsFaced challenges such as discrimination, adjusting to new environments, and cultural differences, yet achieved success through community building and contributions to society. Many established farms, businesses, and cultural institutions.

AssimilationProcess of immigrants integrating into Canadian society while retaining cultural identities. While policies often favored Anglophone culture, many immigrant communities maintained their languages and traditions.

Residential SchoolsInstitutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples, often criticized for cultural erasure and abuse, operating until the late 20th century and leaving a lasting impact on Indigenous cultures.

Boer War - Conscription DebateExamined the contentious issue of mandating military service for citizens during the war, highlighting the tensions between English and French Canadians regarding military duties and national identity.

French-English RelationsTension and cooperation between French and English Canadians over language, culture, and politics. The issue of conscription created friction, affecting relationships and political landscapes in Canada.

Unit 2 – WWI

Dates of War1914–1918.

MAINMilitarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism—key causes of the war, with militarism leading to aggressive policies and alliances dragging multiple nations into conflict.

Triple Alliance/Triple EntenteThe alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy versus France, Russia, and Great Britain. Shifting alliances caused unpredictability and escalated the conflict.

Assassination of ArchdukeFranz Ferdinand's assassination on June 28, 1914, ignited the war, viewed as a direct catalyst amidst underlying tensions.

Black HandSerbian nationalist group responsible for Ferdinand's assassination, aiming to promote Slavic nationalism and oppose Austro-Hungarian rule.

Schlieffen Plan & FailuresGermany's military strategy to defeat France quickly before turning to Russia failed due to logistical issues, strong Allied resistance, and the rapid resistance of Russian troops.

Conscription CrisisControversial policy of mandatory military service in Canada during the war, which divided Canadians and led to protests.

War Measures ActLegislation granting the government special powers during wartime, including the ability to detain individuals without charge to suppress dissent and control information.

French-English RelationsContinued tension over conscription and military service contributions, leading to significant political strife, especially in Quebec, where many opposed conscription.

Trench Warfare/Life in the TrenchesSoldiers faced harsh and unsanitary living conditions, leading to high casualty rates from disease and artillery fire.

Chlorine GasFirst chemical weapon used in warfare, causing severe injuries and deaths, prompting the development of protective gear.

Planes-WeaponsIntroduction of aircraft as a strategic element in warfare, evolving from reconnaissance to bombing operations.

No Man’s LandDangerous territory between opposing trenches, characterized by barbed wire and craters, often a site of horrific casualties.

Battles: Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele, Vimy RidgeKey battles with significant Canadian involvement; Vimy Ridge noted for Canadian bravery and defining national identity.

Russian RevolutionOverthrew the Tsarist regime; led to Russia's exit from WWI and introduced significant ideological shifts.

Treaty of VersaillesEnded WWI with harsh penalties imposed on Germany, creating future economic hardships and political instability leading to WWII.

League of NationsInternational organization founded to prevent future wars, ultimately failed to prevent aggression in the 1930s.

Halifax Explosion1917 explosion in Halifax Harbor caused significant death toll and damage, highlighting wartime logistics dangers.

Role of Women in the WarWomen took on many roles, including factory work and nursing, advancing women’s rights and changing societal perceptions.

Unit 3 – 1920s and 1930s

Bennett BuggyCars sold during the Great Depression; many families used horses to pull their ‘Bennett Buggies’ instead of driving, reflecting economic hardship.

On to Ottawa TrekProtest by the unemployed seeking better conditions and employment from the government, garnering public support for their plight.

Person’s Case (Famous Five)Landmark legal case recognizing women as persons under the law in Canada, paving the way for increased participation in politics.

DancesPopular social activities like the Charleston reflected cultural changes and the spirit of the Jazz Age.

Causes of the DepressionContributors included the stock market crash of 1929, overproduction, and high tariffs, leading to global economic downturns.

Prohibition - Advantages/DisadvantagesAttempted to reduce crime but led to bootlegging and organized crime, showcasing the complexities of enforcing moral laws.

Flappers - Women’s AdvancementWomen challenged traditional roles through fashion and behavior, embracing freedom of expression despite facing criticism.

Byng-King CrisisPolitical crisis in 1926 between the Governor General and Prime Minister over the dissolution of parliament, shifting governance towards democracy.

BootleggingIllegal production and sale of alcohol during Prohibition, associated with violence and corruption.

Rum Runners - Benefits and DangersSmuggling alcohol for profit, causing law and order issues but benefiting organized crime groups.

Relief CampsEstablishments for unemployed men during the Great Depression, providing basic accommodations but criticized for poor conditions.

Riding the Rails/RodsMethod of traveling by freight trains used by many seeking work during the Depression, highlighting family desperation.

French-English RelationsOngoing cultural and political tensions during this period, exacerbated by differing economic interests and language policies.

Unit 4 – WWII

Hitler’s Control of People, NazisTotalitarian regime that suppressed dissent through propaganda and violence, utilizing the Gestapo for order.

PropagandaPromoted Nazi ideology; films, rallies, and posters instilled national pride and demonized enemies.

Munich Agreement - AppeasementPolicy allowing Hitler to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, widely criticized for enabling aggression.

Invasion of Poland - Date - BritainSeptember 1, 1939; marked the start of WWII, prompting Britain and France to declare war.

Hitler’s Rise to PowerEconomic turmoil and populist rhetoric propelled him to Chancellor, garnering support among struggling Germans.

Military Steps - Land Gained - InvasionsRapid expansion including Austria and France, employing Blitzkrieg tactics.

Nuremberg Laws, Night of the Long KnivesLegal framework for racial discrimination against Jews and purging political rivals to consolidate power.

Kristallnacht - Night of the Broken GlassNationwide pogrom against Jews in 1938, marking severe escalation in Nazi persecution.

Battle of Britain - RAF, Luftwaffe, Air RaidMajor air campaign for control of the skies; RAF's resilience marked a turning point.

Battle of AtlanticStruggle for control of shipping routes; crucial for supply chains during the war.

Dieppe and Hong Kong - FailuresCanadian defeats that highlighted the need for better military strategy and planning.

D-Day - Successes, Canadian - Juno BeachAllied invasion on June 6, 1944, which was pivotal for the liberation of Western Europe.

Victory Bonds / IF DayFinanced the war effort; IF Day illustrated community solidarity in support of the war.

Role of Women in the WarWomen engaged in many roles from factory work to military service, significantly impacting gender roles and rights post-war.

Conscription CrisisSimilar issues re-emerged from WWI regarding military service, causing divides and protests.

War Measures ActLegislation giving the government war powers essential for national security and wartime control.

French-English RelationsStrains from previous periods continued, with French Canadians feeling marginalized regarding military contributions.

Leaders of NationsKey figures included Britain (Winston Churchill), USA (Franklin D. Roosevelt), Germany (Adolf Hitler), Italy (Benito Mussolini), Russia (Joseph Stalin), and Japan (Emperor Hirohito), all shaping the conflict.

Pearl Harbor - US EntryAttack on December 7, 1941, led to US joining WWII, aligning public support against Axis powers.

Atomic Bomb - Dates, Places, NamesBombs dropped on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945), raising ethical discussions on nuclear warfare.

Japanese InternmentForced internment of Japanese Canadians during the war, a significant historical injustice acknowledged today.

Holocaust - 4 Stages of IsolationSystematic oppression involved four stages: stripping of rights, segregation, concentration camps, and extermination, resulting

Residential Schools

• What are they?: Institutions aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into Canadian society by removing them from their families and cultures.

• How did they work?: Indigenous children were forcibly taken to these schools where they were prohibited from speaking their languages or practicing their cultures.

• Who were they for?: Intended for Indigenous children as part of a policy to integrate them into Euro-Canadian society.

• Why did they exist?: To eliminate Indigenous cultures and beliefs and promote a singular, dominant Canadian identity.

• What were they known for?: Widespread abuse, neglect, and cultural erasure; operated until the late 20th century, leaving lasting impacts on Indigenous communities.

Persons Case (Famous Five)

• What is it?: A landmark legal case in Canada recognizing women as 'persons' under the law.

• How did it work?: This case challenged the exclusion of women from holding public office, arguing that the British North America Act applied to all persons, including women.

• Who was it for?: Initiated by the Famous Five, a group of advocates for women's rights, including Nellie McClung and Irene Parlby.

• Why did it happen?: To secure women’s rights and increase their participation in politics and society.

• What was it known for?: It paved the way for women's political activism and recognition in Canada, profoundly influencing gender equality debates.

Flappers - Women’s Advancement

• What are they?: Young women in the 1920s who challenged traditional norms by adopting new fashions and expressing greater freedom.

• How did they work?: Flappers rejected conventional gender roles, often seen wearing dresses with shorter hemlines, bobbed hair, and partaking in jazz music and dance.

• Who were they for?: Primarily middle-class young women looking to embrace modernity and assert their independence.

• Why did they emerge?: In response to societal changes post-WWI, including the suffrage movement, which led to women gaining the right to vote.

• What were they known for?: Embodying the cultural shifts of the Jazz Age, advocating for women’s rights and freedom of expression.

Conscription Crisis in WWI vs WWII

• What are they?: Controversial policies mandating military service during the world wars.

• How did they work?: In both wars, the Canadian government introduced conscription to meet military needs despite strong public opposition.

• Who were they for?: Targeted Canadian men of eligible ages to serve in the military.

• Why did they exist?: To bolster Canadian troops when voluntary enlistment rates were insufficient.

• What were they known for?: Both crises sparked significant dissent, particularly among French Canadians during WWI and both linguistic groups in WWII, leading to protests and political instability.

War Measures Act in WWI vs WWII

• What are they?: Legislation granting the government extensive powers during wartime.

• How did they work?: Authorized the government to control resources, detain individuals without charge, and suppress dissent.

• Who were they for?: Aimed to protect national security during both conflicts.

• Why did they exist?: To respond swiftly to perceived threats during wartime, including espionage and anti-war sentiments.

• What were they known for?: Criticized for curtailing civil liberties and enabling internment of minority groups, notably Canadians of Japanese descent during WWII.

Role of Women in WWI vs WWII

• What are they?: Women's involvement in the workforce and military during both world wars.

• How did they work?: In WWI, women filled roles in factories, nursing, and home front activities. In WWII, they took on more diverse roles, including military service and higher-level factory jobs.

• Who were they for?: Empowering women to contribute to the war effort, while challenging societal norms regarding female employment and capabilities.

• Why did this occur?: Labor shortages created by the war necessitated women’s participation, leading to changes in gender roles.

• What were they known for?: Their contributions significantly altered perceptions of women's capabilities, leading to advancements in rights and roles post-war.

French-English Relations

• What are they?: The complex relationship between French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians.

• How did they work?: These relations evolved through cultural, political, and economic tensions, often exacerbated by differing ideologies and priorities.

• Who were they for?: Both linguistic communities in Canada.

• Why did they exist?: Rooted in historical colonial tensions and differing loyalties, particularly during wartime.

• What were they known for?: Ongoing debates over language rights, cultural representation, and political participation, critical during conscription crises.

Leaders of Nations (Britain, USA, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan)

• What are they?: Key figures in the conflicts shaping the 20th century.

• How did they work?: Each leader wielded significant power influencing their country’s war strategies and policies.

• Who were they for?: Their policies and decisions affected their respective nations during the wars.

• Why did they emerge?: Each leader rose to prominence amid their country’s socio-political upheavals and wartime needs.

• What were they known for?: Controversial policies and leadership styles, such as Winston Churchill's resilience during WWII, Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, Adolf Hitler’s totalitarian regime, Mussolini’s fascism, Stalin’s purges, and the militaristic governance of Japan under Emperor Hirohito.