To what degree does this time period represent progress or decline for Canada? History Summative
By hannahgwt
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Komagata Boat Arrival
A boat of over 200 immigrants from India attempted to immigrate to Canada in the summer of 1914, just before WW1. The Canadian Government refused, due to the evidently racist and unjust policies about immigration from Asia.This event, in many ways, brought upon progress. It brought awareness to the unfairness caused by the discrimination against Asian immigrants in Canada, even if they weren't granted immigration. -
WW1 Begins
Canada arrived to back the British six days later. I think that WW1 in itself, was overall a time of decline. Although many great social, technological and political developments happened during this time, these things were happening anyways at the turn of the century and the war, if anything, just sped it up. The deaths and economic problems resulting from the war are hardly comparable to the progress made during it. -
First Canadian Province to Allow Women the Right to Vote
Overall, this was very much a time of progress for Canada. It was significant progress for white women, and the first huge step for the feminist movement. However, this initial law 1) only applied to Manitoba, then some other provinces quickly following and 2) this only applied to white women, excluding Indigenous, Asian and Black women. This exclusion shows the room for improvement that Canada had to make before achieving equality between different races, as far as the right to vote. -
The Battle of the Somme
This was a time for mostly decline. Although I recognise the importance of this battle, there were over 1 mil. total casualties on both sides (around 3 mil men fought in total). It was a very bloody and drawn-out battle. However, it was also the first time that Canada used tanks, a very amazing new development that would have been key in overcoming the Germans in Courcelette. This was also the first time the Canada's only french regiment fought alongside the English soldiers. -
Halifax Harbour Explosion
This was obviously quite a time of sadness, tragedy, and decline both economically and socially. The war ("our" side) lost weaponry and resources due to it, and most importantly, many Canadians were affected. Just under 2000 people died, 9000 were left maimed or blinded, and over 25000 were left without shelter (due to their homes being destroyed). The effect was widespread and deep. -
End of WW1
This was very much a time of progress for Canada, and the whole world as well. Although I believe that the ending of WW1 was orchestrated badly (as they decided to end it on exactly 11/11, even though the countries had agreed days beforehand that they would end the war- they had people continue to fight until then and many people died during that time for no reason), it stopped the brutal practice of war. This helped Canada, socially (no more deaths), and economically (not spending money on war) -
Beginning of the Roaring 20's
This decade was a time for progress for Canada. However, the Roaring 20's, in itself, was a time of illegal drinking due to Prohibition in the USA and the laws against liquor in parts of Canada. However, Canada's economy was flourishing due to the strict restrictions against it- it was a major exporter of alcoholic goods into the states. Secondly, after WW1, people wanted to party even more. Other great developments were new technology (cars, movies, etc), new fashion, and women's rights. -
The Eradication of the Chinese Head Tax
The ending of this law was very good for Canada and showed the progress being made in regards to racial issues. The Chinese head tax was a very racist law against the allowance of Chinese people immigrating to Canada. If they could get immigration at all, it then cost them extra money to enter. Towards the end of this Chinese Head Tax, these immigrants would have had to pay $500 per person. Ending this law meant more Chinese immigrating, fuelling our economy and giving them (more) opportunity.