Eastdale History: Canada's Defining Moments

  • Winnipeg General Strike

    Winnipeg General Strike
    In 1919 a massive strike took place in Winnipeg. On May 15th negotiations between the metal and building trades of Winnipeg and management broke down. They fought over better wages. Winnipeg trades and labor council called for a general strike. They wanted to show support for the workers. It's significant to Canada because it was a major turning point. 12,000 workers belonged to unions in Winnipeg, then it spread causing a series of general strikes across the country.
  • The Persons Case.

    The Persons Case.
    Woman were not officially considered "persons" as defined in the British North America Act. In 1927, five women (Judge Emily Murphy, Nellie Mcclung, Louise Mckinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards) challenged Canada's constitution. The decision was appealed to the judicial committee. This was important because the persons case allowed women to become appointed to senate of Canada. The victory symbolized the rights of women.
  • The Automible

    The Automible
    Prior to Henry Ford cars were very expensive. It took a long time to develop a car. Each man had a specific job. The men on the line did not have to be highly skilled. By 1929 roads started to be paved, over 600 000 KM of paved road. This was important because it was growth of mass tourism, increased car ownership. Also it changed how we travel and how we manufacture things.
  • The stock market crash

    The stock market crash
    Between 1921 and 1929, the stock market prices increased 300%. That high rise came to a stop on October 29th, 1929. That day is nicknamed Black Tuesday. Stockholders everywhere (Toronto, New York and Montreal) panicked. They sold their stocks desperately for any price they could get. This event was significant to Canadian history because it was a time of panic. That means it was a time when stocks crashed and led everyone into a depression that lasted a decade.
  • The statute of westminster

    The statute of Westminster declared that Canada had rights. They had the rights to make their own laws. They didn't have to have the imput of Britain. This was important because it meant that Canada was independent. This was a good thing because they didn't have to keep asking Britain.
  • Onto Ottawa Trek

    Onto Ottawa Trek
    In April 1935, 1500 men left relief camps in British Columbia. They did it to protest against the conditions in camps. They went to Vancouver to discuss their grievances with the municipal government,. The protesters jumped onto trains and made their way across the country. After the train was ordered to stop only 8 men had to continue. Bennett refused. This was important because Bennett was a jerk for how he handled the situation. Also, the men traveled for what they believed in.
  • Kristallnacht

    Kristallnacht
    On November 9th, 1938 the Nazis launched an attack. The attack was on Jews throughout all of Germany. The Jews were tortured in horrible ways. They were beaten or killed. Their homes were also destroyed. This was a significant event because it proved how serious things were getting. Proved that no one can be trusted because Nazis attacked Germany, their own country.
  • The invasion of Poland.

    The invasion of Poland.
    After Nazis Germany took over Austria and Czechoslovakia Britain and France delivered an ultimatum. They said they will declare war if Nazis Germany invaded Poland. On September 1st, 1939 the Germans invaded Poland. September 17th the Russians invaded easter Poland. This was significant because Canada had ties to Britain, meaning Canada had to go in the war. So that's where it all started was by invading Poland.
  • Operation Dynamo

    Operation Dynamo
    Hitler had stopped his surge into France. Though no one knows why. By stopping he allowed the British to evacuate their troops back to Britain. On the 25th any available ship able to transport troops was sent to the French Port of Dunkirk, over 700 different boats made their way to France. Many of the ships weren't made to travel across the channel. This was significant because Britain had that opportunity to escape. If Hitler didn't stop who knows what could have happened.
  • Attack on Pearl Harbor

    Attack on Pearl Harbor
    The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military attack. It was conducted by the imperal Japanese Navy againts the United States Naval base at Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor was located in Hawaii. Also, the attack happened on the morning of December 7th. it was to keep the US away from the Japanese Empires plans. This was significant because that event led the US into World War 2. US had declared war on the Empire of Japan while Germany declared war on the US.
  • Battle of Hong Kong

    Battle of Hong Kong
    On December 8th Japan attacked the British Colony of Hong Kong. This happened a day after Pearl Harbor. This was the first action Canadians saw on the ground They were inexperienced. They were sent to defend the Gin Drinkers line but were forced to defend the island of Hong Kong. This was significant because it was Canada's first action. Though they did poorly, it was still their first real time on the grounds.
  • The Holocause

    The Holocause
    On January 20th there was the Wansee conference. The Nazis then decided that they were going to exterminate all European Jews. Over 6 million Jews were then killed. There was also other targeted groups. In total there was 11 million killed. It was significant, but not in a good way. Because 11 innocent people died for no reason other then because Nazis Germany didn't like Jews.
  • First Act of the Cold War

    First Act of the Cold War
    On June 13th the Russians closed the road leading into West Berlin. By June 24th, all the traffic was cut off. Meaning they were trapped, isolated. They only had 35 days worth of food and 45 days worth of coal. Truman and the British decided to airlift supplies into the 2 million people living in west Berlin. It was important because it easily could have started something big like a war. Instead of fighting, they chose the harder way around and airlifted food/supplies everyday.
  • The Korean War

    The Korean War
    On June 25th, 1950 North Korea invaded the south. The UN security Council had history in the region and took the lead. The American forces were led by General Douglas Macarthur. Canada also helped. The USA pushed too hard and brought China into it. This is important because to this day the North and South Korea still have this problem with each other. Also, the Korean war was the first armed conflict of the Cold War.
  • Richard Riot

    Richard Riot
    On Mach 13th, 1955 Maurice "The Rocket" Richard punched out a linesman. This caused him to get suspended for the rest of the Hockey season. Including the playoffs. This made a lot of people very angry. Once when a commissioner of the NHL attended a game he was pelted with garbage from angry fans. Riots ensued on the streets. This was important because it played a role in the Quiet Revolution. Also, it was a sign of rising tensions between English and French Canadians.
  • Avro Arrow

    Avro Arrow
    Avro Arrow was an advanced supersonic, twin engined, all weather intercepted jet aircraft. It was to be one of the most advanced aircrafts in the world. They were in need for an aircraft to counter the threat of the Soviet bombers. The aircraft got very expensive. In February 20th it was canceled. It was important cause Canadians saw it as a real chance to be a world leader during the cold war. The cancellation forced Canada to be dependent of the US for its defense.
  • Cuban Missle Crisis

    Cuban Missle Crisis
    In October 1962 the United states discovered that there were nuclear missiles off the shore of the US on the island of Cuba. These missiles were pointing right at the states. This was a direct threat to the states. The missiles were placed by the soviets. They couldn't invade Cuba, for that would case another global conflict. This event was important because it's why Cuba and the US don't get along today. It also was important because it could have caused something bigger; like war.
  • October Crisis.

    October Crisis.
    The terrorist group FLQ thought violence would show that they wanted an independent Quebec. They kidnapped James Cross and Pierre Laporte. The government called in the War Measures act. This suspends everyones rights. Pierre was found dead later on. This was important because it shows how much some people wanted Quebec an independent country. Also how far their willing to go to get what they want.
  • Ken Taylor

    From November 4th 1979 to January 20th, 1981 a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy. They took 66 American hostages. They held 52 for 444 days. America tried, but failed, several times to rescue them. Then Ken Taylor, the Canadian Ambassador to Iran, rescued them by sneaking them out. This was important because Canada received a lot of notice because of Ken. It also proved Ken's courage to risk his life.
  • Terry Fox

    Terry Fox
    Terry Fox was a Canadian legend. After he lost his leg to Cancer Terry never gave up doing sports. Only now his eyes were more wide opened. Terry put together a miracle of hope: he would run across Canada on one leg to raise money for Cancer. He was hoping to raise one dollar from every Canadian. This was an important event because it shows bravery and courage. Terry is an icon everywhere for what he did, and it's hard to forget what a great heart he had.