World War I and the Roaring 20s

World War I (1914-1918)

• Causes: Militarism, imperialism, alliances, nationalism influenced the war. Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the conflict.
• Alliances: Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia, Canada, USA) and Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary) were opposing sides.
• Trench Warfare: Soldiers fought in trenches, experiencing hardship, danger, and disease.
• Technology: Machine guns, tanks, airplanes, U-boats (submarines), and radios affected the war significantly.
• Key Battles: Battle of Vimy Ridge highlighted Canada's military strength.
• Life at Home: Rationing, conscription, and women's suffrage movements emerged during the war, alongside propaganda campaigns.
• Treaty of Versailles: This peace treaty blamed Germany, leading to economic instability and contributing to World War II.

The Roaring 20s

• Technology: The Model T car made cars more accessible. Silent movies and radios brought entertainment into homes.
• Entertainment: Jazz music and Charlie Chaplin were popular entertainment elements.
• Prohibition: The US government's alcohol ban backfired, increasing illegal activity, and later ended.
• Women's Rights: Advancement in women's voting rights occurred in various regions.
• Economy: Factories absorbed returning soldiers. Stock market booms created wealth for some.
• Social Changes: Workers sought better treatment, and the Spanish Flu pandemic had a devastating impact.

The Dirty 30s

• Great Depression: Bank failures and business closures caused widespread unemployment.
• Dust Bowl: Severe drought transformed farmland into dust, affecting crop yields.
• R.B. Bennett: The Prime Minister during the Depression whose relief programs weren't effective in resolving the economic crisis.
• Relief Camps: The government established camps for unemployed men, offering work for small compensation.
• On-to-Ottawa Trek: Angry men protested the relief camps, though their protest was halted.
• Winnipeg General Strike: Winnipeg workers protested for better working conditions, encountering confrontations.

World War II (1939-1945)

• Dictators & Fascism: Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Stalin (Soviet Union), and Hirohito (Japan) ruled autocratically.
• Axis vs. Allies: The Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) fought against the Allies (Canada, Britain, Soviet Union, USA).
• Key Battles: Dieppe was a failed operation, the Battle of Britain tested wartime resilience, D-Day (Normandy) was significant, marking the end of the war in Europe in a pivotal invasion of Normandy. Juno Beach involved a major Canadian role.
• End of War in Europe: VE Day signifies the victory over Germany in Europe.
• USA Joins the War: US entry followed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
• Atomic Bomb: The US used atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.
• Holocaust: Hitler's regime perpetrated genocide against Jews and other minorities.
• Aftermath: War's aftermath involved widespread destruction and major political shifts.

Cold War & 1950s

• Red Scare: Fear of Soviet communism resulted in increased tension and crises.
• Nuclear & Space Race: The US and Soviet Union competed to develop nuclear weapons and explore space.
• Korean & Vietnam Wars: These wars aimed to stop the spread of communism.
• Lester B. Pearson: A key Canadian figure in peacekeeping during the Suez Crisis. Debated Canada's new flag.

1982-Present: A New Canada

• FLQ & Separatism: The Front de libération du Québec sought Quebec's secession. Referendums took place.
• FNMI Rights: Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) fought for rights like land claims and self-governance.
• Residential Schools: Government-run schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children, having long-lasting negative impacts.

Key People/Places

• Billy Bishop: A Canadian WWI flying ace.
• Francis Pegahmagabow: A prominent Indigenous soldier in WWI.
• R.B. Bennett: Prime Minister during the Great Depression.
• Stalin: Leader of the Soviet Union during WWII.
• Lester B. Pearson: Prime Minister and peacekeeper.
• Juno Beach: A significant Canadian landing site during D-Day.

Explore the major events and themes of World War I, including its causes, key battles, and the impact of technological advancements. Delve into the cultural transformation of the Roaring 20s, marked by innovations like the Model T and the rise of entertainment media.