Lesson # 2 ~ A Snapshot Of Canada's Industrial Age 1890 - 1905 PDF

A snapshot of Canada’s Industrial Age: 1890-1905 Learning Objectives: In this lesson, we will learn about the impacts of Industrialization in Canada. We will examine both positive and negative effects on the lives of Canadians. Success criteria: Identify and describe at least 3 positive effects of i...

A snapshot of Canada’s Industrial Age: 1890-1905 Learning Objectives: In this lesson, we will learn about the impacts of Industrialization in Canada. We will examine both positive and negative effects on the lives of Canadians. Success criteria: Identify and describe at least 3 positive effects of industrialization on the lives of Canadians. Identify and describe at least 3 negative effects of industrialization on the lives of Canadians. Compare and contrast the positive and negative impacts of industrialization on Canadian society. Looking Back After Confederation, Canadians experienced huge changes due to the advancements in technology. New technologies such as electricity and the telephone changed life a home and at work. How was industrialization changing the lives of Canadians? From 1890 to 1905, there were significant changes as a result of industrialization. Industrialization is the process in which technology and machinery replaced traditional labour task. Before this occurred, people produced products and goods by hand. With industrialization, newly invented machines were being developed for use in factories. Theses machines allowed for more goods to be produced at a quicker rate and for a cheaper cost. Horse-drawn streetcars operated by the Toronto Street Railway Company in the 1890s. These cars were operated only in the summer as they were not enclosed. Looking Back Recalling from last class, what are some in the first inventions that fueled the industrial revolution and the creation of further inventions? Historical Significance Originally known as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE’s main purpose was for agriculturists, engineers and scientists to showcase inventions in technology. The CNE introduced audiences to several technological advancements such as, Edison’s phonograph in 1888, the wireless telephone in 1890, the radio in 1922, and the television in 1939. This location, as well as, several others in Canada placed a large role in the Canadian Industrial Age. Looking Back This photo is of one of the many technological advancements in Toronto, during the 1890s. Many homes did not have indoor plumbing. How do you think a public water fountain affected the daily lives of people living in homes around these fountains? Historical Significance The Industrial Age Impacts Farming Before industrialization, farm life required very hard work with basic tools. New farm machines that were available in the 1800s were usually too expensive for people living on small family-run farms to buy. This image represents a farmer using horses and technology to do work that was previously done by hand. What advantages and disadvantages might you see of using this new type of technology for farmers in the 1890s? Cause and Effect EFFECTS With new advancements in farming tools and technology, owners of large farmers could afford to buy new machines that would enable them to work more land. Small family-run farms had a difficult time being able to afford these new form of machinery. In an attempt to support themselves, they sold their farms and moved into the cities to find work. This shift was seen in all places in Canada. CAUSE Historical Significance With more small family-run farmers leaving their agricultural lands and moving into the city, what impact do you think this had Canada’s population in the city? Explain your answer. What impact did this have on existing farm lands as these families left? Explain your answer. Historical Significance After Confederation, Canada was eager to settle more people in the land west of Ontario to British Columbia. Examine the images posted to the right. What do these posters reflect about Canada at this time? Historical Significance The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution is a term used to describe a period when social and economic life changed from being mainly agricultural and rural, to being industrial and urban. It is difficult to say exactly when the Industrial Revolution began. It was a gradual process and occurred at different times in different countries. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain around 1750, spreading to France and other European countries and then to the United States around 1850, and to Canada around 1900. Looking Back Industrialization caused important changes in the economic status of many groups of people. Factories and machinery lowered the cost of manufactured goods, so profits rose. At this time, wealthy individuals were the only ones who could afford to buy these new technologies to establish their own factories. They often lived in the city where their businesses were located. They had large homes and hosted elaborate parties. Many wealthy people had a second home where they would spend their holidays. What do you see in these images? Looking Back Life for the people who worked in factories, in offices, and in the homes of the wealthy were less pleasant than that of their employees. People from the working class made an average of $32 (180hkd) per month at the a time when the cost of living for a typical family of five was $48 (270hkd) per month. Wealthy employers did not have any rules governing how they treated their employees, or how much to pay them. Their main focus was on increasing productivity. ← This 1903 photo shows housing in a working-class neighbourhood of Montreal near the factories. Historical Significance In groups of 2-3 research an event from Canada’s industrial age. Create a short presentation that you will share with another group in class. See some example of events below: JULY 21, 1836 First Railway Opens in Canada OCTOBER 22, 1846 First Telegraph in Canada NOVEMBER 17, 1856 Grand Trunk Completed NOVEMBER 07, 1885 Last Spike Driven for CPR You have 20 minutes to create the short presentation and 10 minutes to share presentations and give feedback. Although many changes have been made since the industrial age, what are some issues that are still present in Canada and other countries today? (You may want to think about housing, employment, working class vs upper class, income... )