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Canada enters the war (0 on progress scale)
Political change On August 4th of 1914, Great Britain declared against Germany. This also meant Canada and the independent colony of Newfoundland would accompany them in war. I gave this event a 0, as when the war was declared, Canadians were filled with a sense of representation and patriotism that their country’s bravery would be displayed. Although this would be true, many consequences in relation to the economy, job opportunities and the treatment of soldiers post-war followed. -
War Measures Act (-2 on Progress Scale)
*Political*In 1914, the Canadian government passed the War Measures Act. This act gave cabinets the ability to revoke the rights of certain people, specifically those of Austro-Hungarian and German nationality. The government authorized the arrest and detention of these people. They were forced to work and the treatment towards them was brutal. I gave this event a -2 as people of certain nationalities were imprisoned due to Anti-German propaganda. -
Battle of Somme (-1 on progress scale)
Political change The Battle of Somme was one of the most bloodiest battles in history. In July of 1916, British forces launched an attack against German forces on the Western Front. A few months later, the Canadian Corps joined the battle. Canada was responsible for a victory of capturing Courcelette. But by November, 24,700 Canadians died. I gave this battle a -1. Many Canadians died for rare victories. The only real success of this battle was the testing of new tanks and better shells -
Military Service Act (-1 on Progress Scale)
*Political*By 1916, Canada was in need of more recruits. Prime Minister Robert Borden was planning to enact conscription, but this was fiercely opposed by many, primarily French-Canadians. By 1917, the Military Service Act was implemented, making men of ages 20-45 subject to the military. I gave this a -1, as it divided French-Canadians and Canadians, sparking riots across the country. Additionally, it proved to be useless; of the 400,000 men who registered for conscription, only 100,000 went. -
Winnipeg General Strike (0 on Progress Scale)
*Social*Workers struggled after WWI, especially in Winnipeg. Winnipeg Workers negotiated with their employers for better wages but found no success, so they began striking. Within a month, the government intervened in the strikes and arrested multiple people. Violence erupted with many casualties and by June, strikes ended across the country. I gave this a 0 as the government did not recognize the workers’ demands even after protests. However, the protests did unite workers across the country. -
Group of Seven (+1 on Progress Scale)
Cultural Change The Group of Seven was composed of Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A. Y. Jackson Frank Johnston , Arthur Lismer, J. E. H. MacDonald and Frederick Varley. All seven of them revolutionized Canadian art with their beautiful, unique landscapes. They would also set the pathway for Emily Carr, an artist who would later become a pioneering female icon in art. I gave this a +1 as their work initiated a national art movement and introduced a new style of painting. -
Period: to
Roaring twenties
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Discovery of Insulin (+1 on Progress Scale)
Social change For years, people in the medical field attempted to find ways to prevent diabetes. It wouldn’t be until the summer of 1921 when a team of doctors, led by Frederick Banting, would make the discovery of Insulin. Banting served on the front as a part of the medical corps. In 1922, he and his team used an extract of the pancreas of an ox to treat a young boy. This would later be known as Insulin. I gave this a +1 as his discovery helped combat type 1 diabetes worldwide. -
Chinese Immigration Act (-1 on scale)
Social Change In 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act was passed. This act prohibited the immigration of Chinese immigrants to Canada. However, new regulations only allowed four classes of immigrants to enter the country: diplomats, students, children born in Canada and merchants. I gave this event a -1 as it reflects the racism in Canada. They did not want to see a group of people prosper, and It’s disappointing to read that Canadians pressured the government to enact the law. -
Royal Canadian Air Force (+1 on Progress Scale)
Political Change After many casualties from the First World War, Canada wrestled with the idea to create a new policy for aviation. On April 24 1924, the Royal Canadian Air Force was created. Throughout the 20s, the Air Force focused on Civil Operations, such as tackling forest fires, aerial mapping and fisheries patrols. I gave this a +1 as it was a good way to reassemble pilots after a bloody war. Instead of swiftly returning to aerial combat, it was a good way to train pilots civilly. -
Persons Case (+2 on Progress Scale)
Social change By 1927, most women in Canada were allowed to vote. However, the senate remained closed for women, as only "qualified persons” - or men - could run. This would be the case until 1929, when a group of five female activists amended it. However, the five women asked for an appeal for their original petition in the Privy council and in 1929, it was accepted. I gave this a +2 on the scale as it would set moments for women to assert their place in a male dominant society.