Copy of Unit 2 Full Slides 2023_24
Unit 2: Nationalisms and the Autonomy of Canada 1896-1945
Overview
Topics Covered:
Topic 1: Political Aspect – the Laurier Years
Topic 2: Economic Aspect – 2nd Phase of Industrialization
Topic 3: Social Aspect – Early 20th Century Society
Topic 4: Major Events – WWI, Great Depression, WWII
Topic 1: The Laurier Years
Key Aspects
Canada's Century: under Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier (1896-1911).
Nativism vs. Imperialism: Conflicting sentiments between British imperialism and French Canadian nationalism.
Immigration Policy: Focused on attracting immigrants to settle and develop Canada.
Indigenous Peoples: Issues faced by Indigenous communities during Laurier's term.
Topic 2: Economic Aspect – 2nd Phase of Industrialization
Economic Context
Strong Economy: Driven by Macdonald’s National Policy and high tariffs on imports.
Labour Supply: High levels of immigration provided cheap labor for industries.
WWI Impact: Growth in munitions and war-related industries.
Economic Sectors
Primary Sector: Natural resources like forestry, mining, and agriculture.
Secondary Sector: Manufacturing of goods from raw materials.
Tertiary Sector: Services related to education, health, and other sectors.
State Role in Economy
Liberal policies focused on job creation and resource exploitation while granting permits and collecting royalties.
Attracted significant American and British investment, especially in Quebec.
Topic 3: Social Aspect
Union Movement
Continued demand for better working conditions, led to strikes with little success.
Difficulty in gaining legal status and labor protections.
Catholic unions emerged in response to American unions’ dominance.
Church Social Actions
Church's moral influence in Quebec included running schools, hospitals, and charities.
Concern over social inequalities led to acceptance of unions while rejecting socialism.
Supported cooperatives and agricultural banking to help farmers.
Urban Services
Rapid urbanization led to a lack of services in high-density working-class neighborhoods.
Measures were implemented to improve public health and living conditions, including clinics and hygiene education.
Education System
Low literacy rates among Francophone population led to limited educational opportunities.
Church opposed mandatory attendance laws to avoid government interference.
Women’s Struggles
Rise of the feminist movement seeking equal rights, education, and suffrage.
1918 federal vote granted to women, provincial vote in 1940.
Topic 4: Major Events
WWI (1914-1918)
Global Context
European powers in competition, rising nationalism, militarization, and alliance systems.
Triple Entente: Allies including Great Britain, France, Russia.
Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy.
Canada's War Efforts
Participation included sending soldiers, equipment, and food.
War Measures Act: Censorship, economic control, and internment of enemy aliens (including Germans, Italians, and Japanese).
Effects on Canada
Increased national autonomy, economic contributions, and societal shifts post-war.
Limited immigration and significant social changes, including women entering the workforce.
The Great Depression (1929-1939)
Causes
Overproduction and resulting economic spiral led to massive unemployment.
Stock market crash in 1929 signaled the start of the economic crisis.
Government Response
Public works programs and relief measures intended to alleviate the hardships.
Emergence of new political movements advocating for social changes.
WWII (1939-1945)
Context and Entry into War
Socioeconomic effects of the Great Depression contributed to totalitarian regimes.
Hitler's aggressive nationalism led to WWII after invasions of neighboring countries.
Canada’s wartime Role
War Measures Act renewed for economic planning and managing war supplies.
Internment camps for “enemy aliens” – including Japanese Canadians.
Consequences Post-War
Women engaged in labor and military roles; conscription divisively implemented.
Reformation of federal policies impacting Quebec and socio-economic programs.