Detailed Notes on Canadian Political and Social Developments 19th-20th Century
Overview
Transition from Conservative governments in Canada to the election of the second Liberal government led by Wilfrid Laurier.
Wilfrid Laurier
Unique figure in 19th-century Canadian politics; first French Canadian Catholic Prime Minister.
Context of Roman Catholics in Anglo-Saxon political spheres (e.g., Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA) where they faced exclusion until the 20th century.
Emergence as a Roman Catholic leader marked Canada as a pioneering polity among its peers.
Anti-Church Stance
Laurier's stance: Anti-church and believed in the separation of church from state.
Positioned against both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches; seen as anti-church by traditional institutions.
Beliefs and Leadership Style
Firmly believed in the value of compromise, significantly changing the Liberal Party's status.
Elevated the Liberal Party from an underdog to a dominant ruling party, creating a "big tent" party to include diverse perspectives.
Advocated for the protection of ethnic minorities, focusing on French Canadians and extending consideration to other ethnic communities.
Economic Context
Laurier came to power as the Long Depression (1878-1896) in Canada came to an end.
Economic revitalization occurred around 1895-96, creating an environment for prosperity and growth.
Importance of Timing in Politics
Political success linked to economic conditions; happier populace supports governance effectively during prosperity.
Rhetorical Skills
Laurier's classical education at Leval University contributed to his rhetorical effectiveness.
Mastered impactful rhetoric; notable quotes: "Let me tell you, my fellow countrymen…” and "The twentieth century belongs to Canada."
Introduced the phrase "sunny ways," emphasizing compromise and persuasion, eschewing aggressive political tactics.
Political Infrastructure
Implemented substantial immigration reform via the interior minister, a role that oversaw diverse responsibilities from immigration to economy.
Managed immigration policies that typically favored British subjects until Laurier and Clifford Sifton's reforms.
Immigration Policies
Shift towards an environmentally based immigration strategy; immigrants were recruited from regions with climates similar to Canada’s Prairies (notably Russia, Great Plains US, and parts of the Middle East).
Emphasized matching potential immigrants with suitable land for settlement, aiming to avoid failures seen in prior British-centric immigration efforts.
Case Studies of Immigration Failures
Bar Colony in Lloydminster: Example of a failed British immigration effort where many colonists evacuated or perished during their first winter due to severe climate.
Composition of Canadian Immigration
Resulted in a more ethnically diverse Canada, particularly in the West, as compared to predominately British origins.
Noteworthy diversification included settlers from Jewish villages, Mennonites, Poles, Ukrainians, and even Syrians, with localized recruiting efforts in these communities.
Economic Growth (1895-1914)
Period defined by accelerated economic growth and development:
New railways, ports establishment, and increased industrialization.
Growing population and urbanization as cities expanded rapidly during this period.
Urban Development
Cities like Vancouver transformed from small settlements to urban centers by 1914.
General perception of boundless growth potential across Canadian towns; projections even made for lesser-known areas (e.g., Prince George).
Increased national confidence and calls for Canada to assume a significant role within the British Empire.
Infrastructure Development
The late 19th century laid foundational infrastructure aspects, including sewage, gas, and electrical systems that are critical to modern urban living.
Early Canadian Sanitation Systems
Primitive sewage management involving cesspits and open sewers.
Early systems characterized by health risks and unsanitary living conditions in burgeoning urban centers.
Miasma Theory vs. Germ Theory
Public health responses were predicated on the belief in miasmas (bad air) rather than germs.
This motivated improvements in urban sanitation to enhance public health and hygiene.
Activism and Social Movements
Middle-class women spearheaded efforts towards improving city health conditions alongside suffrage movements.
Major focus on enhancing urban quality of life involved tackling issues such as alcoholism through infrastructure improvements.
Major Infrastructure Projects
The construction of elaborate sewage systems, waterworks, and gas/electric systems in cities across Canada.
Water Supply Evolution
Transformation from exposed sewage management to filtered clean water systems in cities.
Public filtration systems implemented in major urban centers to supply clean drinking water.
Electrification of Cities
Transition from coal gas lighting to electricity for illuminating urban spaces, initiated in the late 19th century using coal-fired steam generation.
Hydro-electric power developed in BC due to suitable topography and growing demand, exemplified by rapid growth in electricity consumption.
Health Improvements
Enhancements in public health via vaccination programs and infrastructure advancements significantly reduced outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, typhoid).
Tuberculosis in Canadian History
Tuberculosis emerged as a significant public health threat, impacting life expectancy and driving development of a dedicated public health infrastructure, including sanatoriums for treatment.
Impact of Public Health Initiatives
Long-term measures, including the establishment of vaccination policies leading to better public health outcomes, witnessed a stark improvement in the average lifespan from 50 years in 1900 to 80 years in contemporary times.
Conclusion
Infrastructure and public health initiatives from the late 19th to early 20th centuries reshaped urban Canada, fostering improved living conditions and marking a shift towards a healthier, more prosperous society.