10 Questions
What was a major factor that contributed to Canada being severely affected by the Great Depression?
Dependence on raw material and farm exports
How did the Canadian government respond to the Great Depression in terms of immigration?
Applied severe restrictions and deported a large number of unemployed immigrants
What was the impact on the labor force during the Great Depression?
30% of the labor force was out of work
How did Gross National Expenditure change during the Great Depression?
It declined 42% from the 1929 levels
What was the situation in rural areas of the prairies during the Great Depression?
Two thirds of the population were on relief
What was a major cause of the Great Depression in Canada?
Stock Market Crash
How did economic dependence contribute to the Great Depression in Canada?
Reduced demand for Canadian goods from the United States
What impact did protectionism have on Canadian businesses during the Great Depression?
Imposed taxes and restrictions on imported goods
How did overproduction contribute to the economic challenges during the Great Depression?
Led to excess supply and falling prices
What was the significant impact of the Dust Bowl on Canadian agriculture during the Great Depression?
Caused severe droughts and soil erosion
Study Notes
Factors Contributing to the Great Depression in Canada
- Canada's heavy reliance on international trade, particularly with the United States, made it vulnerable to the global economic downturn.
- Economic dependence on a few primary products, such as wheat, and a lack of diversification in industries contributed to Canada's susceptibility to the Great Depression.
Canadian Government Response to the Great Depression
- The government responded to the crisis by severely limiting immigration, reducing the number of immigrants from 169,000 in 1929 to just 10,000 in 1932.
Impact on Labor Force
- Unemployment soared, with an estimated 1 in 5 Canadians out of work, leading to widespread poverty and despair.
- Many workers who retained their jobs suffered significant wage reductions and longer working hours.
Gross National Expenditure
- Gross National Expenditure (GNE) plunged by 40% from 1929 to 1933, indicating a severe decline in economic activity.
Rural Areas of the Prairies
- The prairie provinces were severely affected, with drought, dust storms, and poor agricultural practices exacerbating the economic woes, leading to widespread poverty and migration from rural areas.
Causes of the Great Depression in Canada
- Overproduction, particularly in the agricultural sector, led to a glut of goods, which contributed to the economic downturn.
- Protectionism, such as the passage of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in the United States, led to retaliatory measures from other countries, resulting in a sharp decline in international trade.
Impact of the Dust Bowl
- The Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms and drought, had a devastating impact on Canadian agriculture, leading to crop failures and livestock deaths, further exacerbating the economic crisis.
Test your knowledge about Canada's experience during the Great Depression, including the impact of the Dirty Thirties and the Dust Bowl on the country's economy and society.
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