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Black Canadians during WW1 (-1)
Black Canadians have always been discriminated against for the colour of their skin. Even in desperate times of need, it was clear that Caucasians had the advantage. Black Canadians were mainly restricted to construction roles like building trenches and roads during the first world war. Many were turned away from fighting and were still segregated from their peers while eating and sleeping. This diary entry was written by a Black soldier and expresses his struggles during the time. -
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Increased Immigration Policies (-2)
Canada's diversity level was very low. Governments placed laws to restrict non-Europeans from entering. The Chinese Exclusion Act was enacted in 1923, as the number of naturalized Chinese-born people decreased from 2578 in 1911 to 1766 in 1921. 97.5% of the population being European. "We are casting about for some more effective method..to prevent the arrival here of many of the nondescript of Europe, whose coming here is regarded..in the light of a catastrophe". – immigration official -
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Robert Gray, the Automobile Manufacturer (+1)
Robert Gray was a successful automobile manufacturer in the period of 1915-1925. He was a lucky man that formed his business during the "Roaring" Twenties. During this stretch of time, more people were able to afford these luxuries and if not, they borrowed money through on credit. He produced two models of a car in their first year but sold several styles. He became one of the most trusted companies for his reliable quality and special features. -
Conscription (-1)
A conscription bill was passed by the government in 1917. This act forced all eligible men between the ages of 20 and 45 to enlist in the war. This violated people's rights and freedoms and divided Canada. French Canadians expressed their anger through protests and demonstrations. As they had no wish to partake in the war, or to follow in Britain's footsteps, they felt that enlisting should not be mandatory for them. Since their desires were not obtained, relations were damaged. -
Women's Suffrage (+2)
Women's rights and freedoms were expanding. The number of working women increased by 25 percent and women's suffrage was achieved in most Canadian provinces in 1918. In addition, they received higher recognition whilst they took part in politics, workplaces, education and at home. They were able to make their own independent choices and wore clothing more convenient for outdoor activities. This was a poster used during the women's suffrage movement. -
Coal Miners (-1)
Conditions in the mines were unimaginable and society was starting to replace coal with natural gas and oil. Workers that were previously employed within this sector lost their jobs and some found themselves starving and on the streets. Several strikes broke out, including the one that took place in 1920. Violence was present and this industry was on a steep decline. Attached is a diary entry written by a coal miner. -
Indian Act (-2)
In 1920, the Canadian government made attendance at residential schools mandatory. These First Nations children were taken away from their families, with their culture, language, and ways of life stripped away from them. Many children experienced sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at these schools. 2800 children died in Canada within the hands of these Christians. This was a piece of "proof of evidence" to show that this man was able to leave his reserve. -
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The Booming Entertainment Industry (+2)
The wealth and prosperity during the "Roaring" Twenties was significantly shown through the entertainment industry. As people were starting to be able to afford these luxuries, movies and film stars were on a rise. The weekly movie attendance in America was at a whopping 90 million by the end of the decade. With just 25 cents, you were able to take on the relaxations and pleasures of escaping to an imaginary world -
The Invention of Insulin (+1)
The invention of insulin has helped millions of lives. 150-200 million people still use this technology today, and can save lives of individuals living with juvenile diabetes. "I used to be a skinny boy, now I am fat and well," expressed a boy who used this medication. This advancement has benefited a very large amount of people and will most likely be used for long periods of time to come. This image was a real life transformation of before and after the use of insulin. -
The Success of Emily Murphy (+1)
On this remarkable day, the Privy Council decided that women were "persons" and were able to serve in the Senate. After the continuous efforts by the Famous Five (Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and herself), women were receiving higher acknowledgment. Emily was a member of the Canadian Women's Press Club, the National Council of women and 21 other organization. She was a passionate and successful writer, magistrate and political reformer.
