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Flappers
The term flapper refers to speaking about women who ignored the social norms of women at the time. They wore short skirts and had short hair. They danced and drank alcohol. They were called flappers because they kept their boots undone so they flapped around. This redefined the roles of women and showed that they don't have to listen and follow everyone else. They didn't want to act as "traditional" women anymore. This rebellion changes the role of women for the better. -
Agnes Macphail-First Female Member of Parliment
Agnes Macphail, born 24 March 1890, was the first female member of parliament. She would be a sign of hope for many women. She was known for representing the working class, giving her the name "Champion of the Working Class". She fought for better conditions for miners and denounced the high tariffs on farmers. She inspired and empowered many women to have higher aspirations for themselves. -
Foster Hewitt
Foster Hewitt was the radio play by play broadcaster for Hockey Night in Canada. For the first time, people from all over the country could listen to Hockey Night in Canada and Hewitt was the voice of it all. Hockey brought Canada together and still does today. He eventually passed his role to his son in 1958. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965. He passed away on April 21 1985 but was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1989. -
Prohibition Ends
Canada introduced nationwide prohibition, excluding Quebec, In 1918. The law banned the import, export, production and intake of alcohol. Women who were home helping the war effort thought the wheat should be used for the war effort. It led to a decrease in domestic violence when the war ended but led to an overall increase in organized crime. Prohibition ended in 1921 with mixed opinions of the public. -
The Radio
The popularity of the radio grew exponentially in the 1920s. Thanks to them becoming cheaper and easier to produce. It connected the country with entertainment such as the Happy Gang and Hockey Night in Canada. For the first time families could have entertainment in their own homes. By 1922 there were 39 Canadian radio stations, and by 1927 70% of Canadian families had a radio in their homes. For English and French speakers. -
First Person to Recieve a Insulin Injection for Diabetes
14-year-old Leonard Thompson was the first person to be injected with insulin for diabetes. Frederick Banting and Charles Best were the discoverers of this life-saving medication at the University of Toronto. This would save millions of people's lives and still continues to this day. Banting and John McLeod were awarded the
Nobel prize in 1923. Best was not included because he was a medical student but Banting shared the award money in recognition. -
Chinese Immigration Act
The Chinese Immigration act barred Chinese immigrants from coming to Canada. Chinese workers who came to Canada to make enough money to bring the rest of their family were now stuck alone, Their wives were also left alone in poverty. This lead to many Chinese bachelor societies in Canada. Fewer than 50 Chinese Immigrants were let into Canada between 1923 and 1947 when the law was finally disposed of. -
Talkies-The Jazz Singer
The Jazz Singer was the first feature-length motion picture to be released with synchronized dialogue. This revolutionizes the way we see movies and will soon be the regular way of seeing media. This boosts the entertainment industry greatly and turns Hollywood into what we see today.. -
Start of The Great Depression
The great depression was the largest socio-economic depression the world has ever seen. There were many reasons contributing to it including overproduction and Canada's dependence on the US. But one of the main reasons was too much credit buying. Credit was new and misunderstood. The great depression left many people without anything and ripped families apart. Drought only prolonged the suffering. It also put a lot of pressure on Canada's government for help. It will take years for relief. -
The Persons Case-Continued
Still disappointed from the defeat from the government the famous five decided to go to Canada's highest level of government, Which was still in Britain until 1949. They revised the decision of the Canadian government and decided that women were people. This was a massive social change and will change Canada for the better for years to come. All members of the famous 5, Nellie McClung Louise McKinney, Henrietta Edwards, Irene Parlby and Emily Murphy now have a monument in Calgary in recognition. -
The Persons Case
The person's case was a long ordeal of women wanting to become people by law. This started when a woman named Emily Murphy, the first female judge of Canada who was also a member of the famous five, was supported by the public to become a member of the senate. The government responded with “ We would like nothing better than to have women in the Senate but the British North America Act made no provision for women.” -
R.B Bennett Elected as Prime Minister of Canada
R.B. Bennett was the conservative representative and won the Canadian election over his opponent William Makenzie King. Since the election was taking place during the start of the great depression most of the campaigns focused on it. King said he would wait it out and let the markets fix it while Bennet said he would fight for Canadian jobs to return. His plan of social welfare in Canada would not win him the next election in 1935. Most of his plans failed and he became the butt of many jokes. -
Kingston Penitentiary Riot
Although the riot was not a large event itself, It caused a spark that would cause change later. When prisoners rioted in 1935 it caused interest in Canada's first female member of parliament. When she investigated she saw the horrible conditions the prisoners were kept in. This caused her to push for change. She thought that prisoners were there to be reformed, not tortured. Although she would not be in office when these changes were implemented, they would be put in place in 1945. -
On to Ottawa Trek Begins
Unemployment Relief Camps were introduced in the great depression for unemployed men by prime minister R.B Bennett. For hard physical labour they got room and board. These camps were very controversial. They had very bad living conditions and the public wondered why they have them instead of reasonable work and wages. One camp in British Columbia had enough and went to the local government for help. When they were turned away they decided to trek across the country to talk to parliament. -
Regina Riot-On to Ottawa Trek
The On to Ottawa Trek quickly picked up steam with over 2,000 supporters by the time they reached Regina. 8 trekkers were dispatched to speak with Bennett while the remaining stayed in Regina. The negotiations quickly broke down and Bennett ordered the leaders arrested when they returned to Regina. A riot ensued with over 300 people. 2 people were killed and over $10,000 worth of damage was caused. This would contribute to the eventual downfall of R.B Bennetts's political run. -
Berlin Summer Olympics
The Berlin summer Olympics were a dark sign of what was to come in the coming years. Germany was under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime and the Olympics were a massive propaganda event. Hitler ordered all anti-jewish signs and publications to be toned down around the event to hide what was actually happening. No Jewish athletes were able to participate. After the games concluded, Hitler continued his plans to expand Germany and to have a mass genocide of all Jewish people eventually starting WW2.