Canadian Nationalisms 1896-1945

1896-1945 Canadian Nationalisms and Autonomy

• Canada's status within the British Empire: Canada was a dominion, dependent on the UK for external affairs.
• Two opposing ideologies: Imperialism (attachment to the British Empire, English as sole official language, Protestant religion) contrasted with French-Canadian nationalism (greater autonomy from the British Empire, promotion of French culture).
• Domestic Politics: Wilfrid Laurier was elected Prime Minister in 1896, leading a Liberal government in Quebec. Defining Canadian autonomy was a key issue.
• Impact of Immigration: Immigration led to xenophobia and tensions—especially between English and French Canadians. Some policies favoured or discriminated against certain groups.
• Canadian Military Support: Canadians participated in the Boer War (1899) but voluntarily; the Canadian Navy was created in 1910.
• Emergence of Western Provinces: Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905.
• Governance of Indigenous Populations: Canadian policy largely aimed to assimilate indigenous peoples, rather than recognize their rights and cultures. Residential schools were a key element.

Second Phase of Industrialization (1900-1930)

• Key Characteristics: Hydroelectricity, gas, and oil became important energy sources; heavy industries (metallurgy, pulp and paper, etc) developed; workforce saw an increase in skilled labor.
• Resources and production sectors: Forests, mines, hydroelectric potential, and heavy industries (e.g., ore processing, pulp and paper, aluminum smelting) were crucial.
• Monopoly Capitalism: Companies controlled all stages of production and marketing to eliminate competition, meaning only one company provided a product.
• Role of the State: Limited state intervention. Governments provided grants and subsidies to attract foreign investors.
• Foreign Investment: British and American capital became important for infrastructure and factory construction in Canada. USA became chief investor.
• Foreign Trade: Canada's important trade partners included the USA and Great Britain.
• Union Movement: Canadian workers increasingly joined American and Catholic Unions, facing challenges in gaining recognition from employers.

First World War (1914-1918)

• European Context: Canada joined the war due to ties with the British Empire.
• Wartime Government: The War Measures Act gave the federal government greater power in the social, economic, and provincial spheres.
• Wartime Production: Factories significantly increased production of military equipment, strengthening Canada's economy.
• Military Forces: Important engagements (like the Battle of Vimy Ridge) involved Canadian troops, particularly the 22nd Battalion, a French-Canadian unit.
• Financial Resources: Victory bonds and income tax were vital for funding the war effort.
• Women's Contributions: Women filled labor shortages in factories.
• Conscription Crisis: Compulsory enlistment caused division between English- and French-speaking Canadians.
• Soldier Repatriation: Government policies were implemented to assist returning soldiers in reintegrating into Canadian society.

Greater Autonomy for Canada

• League of Nations: Canada signed the Treaty of Versailles and had its place within the League of Nations.
• Statute of Westminster (1931): British Parliament granted Canada almost complete autonomy.
• Urban Centers: Rapid urban growth occurred alongside overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
• Public Health: Initiatives improved sanitation, such as water chlorination, vaccinations, and milk pasteurization.
• Public Services: Sewers, garbage collection, police, fire departments and public transportation were critical.
• Infrastructure: Road networks, parks, and bathhouses improved.

The Great Depression (1929-1939)

• Stock Market Crash (1929): This triggered a period of significant economic hardship, including a rapid loss in stock value.
• Socio-economic Problems: Canada, like much of the world, experienced declining exports and a drop in manufacturing production, increasing unemployment and poverty.
• Federal and Provincial Measures: Government policies such as direct relief and the creation of the Bank of Canada were introduced to address the problems.
• Colonial Programs: The "Return to the Land" program was introduced, which aimed to repopulate rural regions of Canada by encouraging people to move there and farm.
• Challenging Capitalism: During this era, new political ideologies, such as Keynesian economics, challenged traditional capitalist ideologies.

Second World War (1939-1945)

• European Political and Economic Climate: The global economic climate deteriorated alongside the rise of fascism and militarism.
• Wartime Government: Canada declared war on Germany in September 1939. A key component was the War Measures Act, which increased federal powers.
• Wartime Production: Transformation of factories to meet military needs occurred, including the production of uniforms, weapons, and ammunition.
• Canadian Contributions: Canadian men enlisted in the military. Women played a significant role in factories. The war aided the end of the Great Depression.
• Demobilization: Efforts were undertaken to support returning soldiers and transition them back to civilian life.

Influence of Catholic Church (1896-1945)

• Clerico-Nationalism: Nationalism connected to rural life, traditional values, and protection of French culture.
• Moral and Cultural Influence: Church influence played a strong role in Canadian culture, including support of conservative political parties, education, and health.
• Religious Personnel: The ratio of priests to parishioners was significantly high at this time.
• Cooperatives: The Church spurred cooperatives for financing of industrialization and agricultural production
• Education and Technical Training: Church involvement in education varied, impacting attendance and school development. School attendance rates were higher for Anglophone children.
• Legislation: The establishment of compulsory school attendance laws are examples of government responses to the church's influence.