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Recruitment Process
Political: The recruitment process started shortly after Borden's announcement. The process was a combination of posters, letters, and advertisements across the nation. They were very effective too! Although these men weren't yet forced to go to war, they wanted to. Perhaps it was the persuasive posters or the image put in their heads about the war, because over 428 000 Canadians served out of their 8 million person population. Rank +1 -
Canada Joins the War
Political: Sir Robert Borden declared war on the German army and their allies. This was neither a progression nor a decline because it had to be done. Although it may have put the safety of Canadians on the line, it showed courage, loyalty, and patriotism. This decision forever changed Canada both for better and for worse. Rank 0 -
Period: to
An Era of Decline
I based my decisions and rankings off seven main criteria. Better living conditions and quality of life, equality, justice in Canada, safety, freedom, employment, and morals. Some of these outweigh others. I focused mainly on earlier events because those are the ones I feel made greater impacts and a heavier historical significance. Overall I believe this was a time of decline for Canada. A mixture of sexism, racism, hatred, death, pain, and suffering were all factors. It was a different time. -
The Harsh Conditions of War
Social: Though the lifestyle of being in the war was glorified in the ads, it was nothing like it was said to be. "Trench Warfare", a gross muddy mess these men lived in for years. "...you don't see anything to shoot at as I'm dammed sure the germans don't put there heads over unless at night... during the day if we put our head up to look around it's goodbye to us too" (Leo Le Boutillier, 1914-1918). around 61,000 Canadians were killed or died of disease during the war. Rank -1 -
Racism in the Army
Social: First Nations, and African Americans all experienced a large amount of intolerance towards them. The white soldiers wouldn't eat meals with the black soldiers, the Ojibwe soldiers would perform intense tasks and missions on the field then be referred to as non-citizens. After all the sacrifices these soldiers made it's hard to believe how poorly they were treated. This was 100% a decline for Canadians. Equal rights is one of the most important criteria for progression. Rank -2 -
Alien Propaganda
Social: Canadian people with enemy country backgrounds (aliens) were deported, prosecuted, and imprisoned in camps by government officers. Most of these aliens didn't get trial and had no evidence against them. The rage in the Canadian heart was fuelled solely by what they have heard about Germans and posters they've seen. They were treated very poorly making 0.25$ a day for hard labour. Some of these people died of disease in the camps and some got killed while trying to escape. -
Taxing in Canada
Economic: Because of the enormous debt in Canada from the war, they had to find a solution. Not only did they need to pay off debt but earn more money for military funds. The government didn't have a choice but to take from the people. Tax was born. Income tax on your earnings was first along with taxes on things you'd buy at the store. This possibly could've been avoided by a better economic plan but other than that it's no one's fault. Rank 0 -
Women Were Given the Right to Vote
Political/Social: Around mid-way through the war women started working more and doing traditionally male jobs. In 1917 women who were either in the army or were related to a man that was in the army were allowed to vote. Then more women were allowed to vote even if they didn't have any relation to the war in 1919. Even though there were still a handful of women that couldn't vote because of other standards, this was a huge break through for females. Rank +2 -
The Roaring 20s
Social: The 1920s were a time of joy right after the war. There was lots of partying and drinking along with style and dancing. This was just an era of careless fun. The Canadians deserve it after what they'd just been through. -
New Inventions
Social: Canada had new modifications to things like cars and planes to make them more efficient and sleek. They also had some scientific breakthroughs such as Insulin in 1923. There was also the hydrofoil boats in 1922. Another mechanical invention in the same year was nothing more Canadian but a snowmobile. This was definitely progression and something that makes you feel proud to be associated with. Rank +2 -
Treaty Deals in Canada
Political: There were a few different treaty deals signed in 1920-23. Most of these deals were made to form relationships between the government and first nations over land. Like the Williams Treaties in 1923 that discussed living near water, these treaties weren't followed through with however and the rights and opinions of first nations weren't mentioned. This could've been the start of a good relationship but was not. Rank -1
