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Canadian Identity and the Twentieth Century
Have you ever wondered which events in Canadian history have been the most significant in shaping Canadian identity? Many significant events in the twentieth century left a lasting legacy for Canada. Canada would not be the culturally rich, prosperous and progressive nation that it is today, without its immigration patterns in the past. World War I (WWI) was also a significant event as it united Canada and left behind a legacy of sacrifice and national pride. Economic development during the post war period contributed to Canadian success nationally and globally. Immigration, WWI and economic development were significant events in Canadian twentieth century history. Each event brought new and powerful
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changes to Canada. As these changes emerged, Canadian identity began to develop. To begin with, immigration played a critical role in developing Canadian identity.
This is because it shaped Canada’s social, economic and political culture. As Wilfrid Laurier, prime minister of Canada from 1896-1911, said in 1904 “…The nineteenth century was the century of the United States. I think we can claim that Canada will fill the twentieth century.” (Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Jan 18, 1904). And indeed it did; Wilfrid Laurier opened the gates to immigration and changed the twentieth century for Canada from that point forward. In the ten years between 1906 and 1916, two million newcomers immigrated to Canada. It was the country’s largest population boom. This population increase was immensely beneficial as it led to industrialization and urbanization. It also boosted the economy as new jobs were created. After the population boom, Canadians were now Irish, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, Dutch, Scandinavian, Japanese and Chinese. The various cultures of new immigrants affected Canada socially and culturally, as new languages, traditions, foods and arts appeared in Canada. Moreover, not only did immigrants contribute to massive cultural growth but they also changed perspectives on diversity; changing Canadian identity for years to …show more content…
come. WWI was a significant event in shaping Canadian identity as it united Canada and left behind a legacy of sacrifice and national pride. Political and economic events, and military contributes all contributed to Canada’s growing autonomy. WWI was the turn of the century. This is because “Canada entered World War I as a colony and came out as a nation…” (Hutchinson, Bruce). In the years 1914-1919, Canada experienced more development socially and politically than it had ever before. Furthermore, the achievements of Canadian soldiers on battlefields such as Ypres, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele gave Canada a sense of national pride. Furthermore, in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 10 000 Canadian lives were lost. Their heroic sacrifice leaves behind a lasting legacy. Although many Canadian lives were lost during the war, Canada grew stronger as a nation. Despite the fact that Canada was in the control of a much stronger empire, Canada proved that it could stand on its own and deserved to be recognized. Overall, WWI was very influential in the shaping of Canadas identity as a nation. Canada earned recognition, respect, and admiration from the rest of the world through their successful and dedicated participation in WWI. The memorable sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and the feeling of national pride will continue to shape Canadian identity in the present and future. Many new and powerful changes emerged during the post war period.
One of the most significant changes was economic development. The war had changed Canada’s economy greatly both during and after the war. After the war, Canada transitioned from a war based production economy, to a peacetime supply and demand economy. New jobs were created in different sectors of the economy. As R.B Bennett said in a speech “By any economic test you may employ, Canada is more prosperous today than it was two years ago...” (Bennett, Richard Bedford, 1870-1947) Canada’s manufacturing industry had grown which allowed it to become a leader in industries such as automotive manufacturing and chemical processing. Besides manufacturing, many other sectors of the economy gained success. For example, the production of newsprint became Canada’s largest industry after agriculture. Moreover, the Prairie Provinces enjoyed huge success with wheat. New mining discovers were also made in the 1920’s. By 1929, Canada was producing almost 80 percent of the world’s supply of nickel. Furthermore, the 1947 discovery of oil in Alberta made Canada a petroleum superpower. The growth of manufacturing changed the global perspective on Canada and gave Canadians a significant
identity. These very influential events have truly shaped Canadian identity. Immigration in the past now plays a key role in Canada’s present and future. WWI has given Canadians an unforgettable identity. Lastly, the economic development brought new changes to Canada that are still reflected today in modern life. Without these events, Canada would not be the same country that it is today. However, it is very debatable as to whether these events will continue to be significant in shaping Canadian identity. Some may lose their significance while others may become more significant. This will be left for future generations to decide.
...socially by removing racial barriers and uplifting women’s rights. Also economically which helped us get out of the great depression by the war production Canada created. Last but not least politically, by making Canada a more independent country and giving Canada a recognizable identity. If the war didn’t happen we would still be a country that didn’t have much power or an identity and still be stuck behind racial barriers. We wouldn’t still be in the great depression but the great depression would have been much longer if it wasn’t for the WW2.Canda went through so many changes but not as many as it did during this time. All aspects of Canada were impacted and changed because of this war. The war was such a horrific event but out of the horrific event a great country grew and prospered. Now Canada wonders, would Canada be who it is today if this war didn’t occur?
In conclusion Canada gained independence because of a series of events that took place during the twentieth century. If it hadn’t been for these events, Canada to this day might have been a part of the British Empire. Through discussion on the Chanak affair we signalled that we wanted autonomy. Through our hard work and lives, the world knew we had the ability to stand alone as a strong nation. While, our international reputation of being a “peacekeeping” country the right to stand as an independent self-governing nation. But finally through the Canada Act, we stood solely independent from our Empire. It is obvious that the twentieth century provided us with great chances to become an independent strong nation.
‘Roaring’ is an appropriate term to describe Canada in the 1920s because it was a time of economic growth and radical transformation. It was a time of economic growth because there was a high demand for Canadian raw materials, Canada’s manufacturing industry expanded, and because of immigration, which produced job opportunities and generated revenue for the Canadian government. It was a time of radical transformation because women were adopting new roles, the youth were ignoring traditional roles, and sports were creating a sense of nationalism, which created shock, unity, tension, and pride. Technology was becoming popular and lightened the workload for many people. With inventions like the telephone, automobile, vacuum cleaners and washing machines revolutionizing the 20s, life was easier. This was the beginning of the technological age that led to the creation of today’s advanced medicines and gadgets
Canadians were frustrating, wonderful, and hard. Soldiers returning from the war expected jobs, but were faced with unemployment, inflation and strikes. Inflation had doubled the cost of living where wages had not and those fortunate to be employed still faced immense financial difficulty. Many people joined unions for better pay and working conditions, 1919 saw the most strikes at a staggering three hundred and six, people were angry and discontented. The 1920s were a time of crime corruption and extreme poverty, yet by mid era difficult conditions began to improve. Foreign investors gained confidence in Canada and as a result new industries were developed, The twenties really did 'roar' and with this boom of change Canada underwent the transformation that was the gateway to the future.
Overall, the Great depression was a hard time for most Canadians, and the concept of unemployment insurance brought Canada to the world wide stage. Whether it is Prime Ministers opening relief programs, events which supported the upbringing of our country, the inventions which boosted our economy in giving us more trade, or the Depression in general, the whole period of time starting from the market crash to revival was the event which Canada showed the world that we are strong and not easily crushed. Therefore, the key event in this decade is the Great Depression and the acts towards it.
Before the war, Canada’s most important sector in its economy was agriculture. However, this was changing drastically after and during the war as industry began to take over as being more important. Canadian production of war material, food supplies, and raw materials had been crucial during the war. After the war, it was only natural that big investments were being made in mining, production, transportation, and services industries. Canadian cities were becoming very important contributors to the economy. This was also bringing in waves of post-war immigration, the backbone of Canada’s multicultural society we know today.
The history of Canada was flooded with many influential and incredible events, particularly during World War 1 and World War 2. During the 20th century, Canada got more involved in worldwide events. It was a very important period for Canada; it was where they gained their independence and progressed as a country. After this century, Canada was considered an important and powerful country.
The Great War from 1914-1918 in Europe had a traumatic toll on Canadians. The soldiers in the fields were forever changed by the war but they weren’t the only ones who were changed. World War 1 had a significant impact on Canada’s homefront. The impact of the Great War on Canadian civilians can be easily seen through the increased rate and level of discrimination, growth of Canadian economy and the independence of women.
Any person, place or event that has held the honour of being commemorated in Canada has been recognized of an extreme importance to the country. It is impossible to research commemoration in Canada without reading about world war one and two; The great wars are arguably the most commemorated events in History let alone Canada. Understanding this they are not the only events that receive attention from Canada, the government recognizes many other occurrences as, well, anything from Sir John A. Macdonald day on the 11th of January to the anniversary of the statute of Westminster on the 11th of December. I do not believe that any one event can be placed above or below another, and that they all hold a value in whatever way that may be. This Essay
Canada ruled the 20th century through science and technology and advanced more than any other country in this time period. Prime Minister Laurier was correct when he stated in his speech “that it is Canada that shall fill the 20th century.” Technology and science were one of the huge factors for Canada being a successful country compare to the world. In technology and science, there were many inventions that were developed in Canada that wowed the world and made Canada feel incredible. Even though war is sad and cruel, the crazy need to survive and the confidence to strive for success has made Canada’s technology and science advance greatly. During the near closing point of the 20th century, Canada’s environment and living is being more advanced and they are thinking about the future generations to come.
The post-war time was a period where major changes were occurring. After being involved in two international conflicts, Canada was ready to reestablish their economy. During this time, Canada had started working on ways to become stronger and reputable. It is evident that Canada had matured through the post-war era. Canada’s economic progress left a positive impact on the growth of the country as consumerism became popular, and economic ties with America became stronger. Moreover, the removal of racial and ethical barriers contributed to Canadian social affairs such as the huge wave of immigration and the baby boom. The Canadian government also had become more aware and involved in issues impacting Canadian citizens. Canada as a whole started identifying itself as an independent nation and participating in events that brought a positive reputation amongst them. These economical, social, and legal changes helped Canada mature into the country it is today.
The Canadian identity is a mashup of different ethnicities, history and beliefs. It is built up over and evolves with the times. An important time period that shaped the Canadian identity is 1911-1920 the time Sir Robert Borden was held office. Firstly, he managed to introduce Canada on a world stage through his efforts in WW1. Secondly, Borden provided the foundations for a standard of living that we have today as a free and equal country. Finally, Borden contributed to the separation of the Canadian identity from the British one. These are some of the reasons that Borden was the Prime Minister of Canada that most contributed to the Canadian identity.
Thompson, John Herd, and Mark Paul Richard. "Canadian History in North American Context." In Canadian studies in the new millennium. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2008. 37-64.
During the last 4 months, I’ve studied a lot about Canadian history and come across many great historical events that have shaped Canadian identity. The two most defining moments between the years 1900 to 2000 were women’s suffrage which was an issue to determine if women should have the right to vote or not. The other defining moment for Canada was Expo 67, which was the most successful worlds fair in history.
In 1914-1918 World War One devastated Canada and the world. But for the the new country of Canada it may have brought some good. There is no doubt about it World War One was a very, very bad event... or was it? If we didn’t participate in the Great War would Canada be the same? Simply put, NO. Canada may have been a new country but our patriotism shows through when more than half a million men volunteer for the Great War and many from different backgrounds and ethnicities. While the men from Canada were out battling in the trenches, the Canadian women were waging their own war on the homefront. Finally Canadians distinguished themselves as an independent country throughout the war. Canada in 1920 was very different from the Canada of 1914 after