The Roaring Twenties Boom Bust Victory Prohibition Jazz

The “Roaring” Twenties Boom & Bust

Victory, Prohibition & Jazz

The Economy • The wartime economy took some time to convert to civilian production • Strong demand for pulp & paper, cars and other goods that had been restricted during the war • However, prices for natural resources went down as a result of the war ending • Ontario, Quebec & British Columbia – strong economic growth due to manufacturing

Maritime Economy • Weak Economy • Prairie farmers suffered as price of wheat decreased 60% as a result of higher global production • Prices for coal, iron, fish & lumber fell • High freight rates = 42% decrease in manufacturing as jobs shifted to Central Canada (Ont. & Que. )

Changes in Trade: • Britain was Canada’s largest trade partner prior to the 1920 s • American economy grows rapidly after war – demand for Canadian resources • 1925 – USA is Canada’s largest trade partner! – Canadian Resources → USA → American manufactured goods → Sold back to Canada • Is this trade arrangement good for Canada?

Foreign Ownership • 1920 s American investment in Canada increased • Tariff policies prevented free trade – Americans established Branch Plants • Branch Plant → Americans establish factories in Canada to produce for the Canadian market • Pros: Jobs created, investment in Canadian infrastructure • Cons: Profits returned to USA, Branch plants answer to American owners – undermine Canadian autonomy

Changes in Politics: Liberal Party: • 1919 Sir Wilfrid Laurier dies • William Lyon Mackenzie king new Liberal leader (grandson of W. L. Mackenzie) • Good compromiser (like Laurier) – cautious not to take sides

Changes in Politics: Conservative • Robert Borden resigned in 1920 • Arthur Meighen new leader • Excellent orator – strong opinions & not very flexible

Changes in Politics: Progressive Party • Prairie based party • Farmers not happy with tariffs • Frustrated with power & influence of central Canada • Prairie farmers form new “Progressive” party • In 1921 form Opposition & elect first female M. P. Agnes Macphail • Agnes Macphail – First female elected to House of Commons as Progressive M. P.

1925 Election 1925 GENERAL ELECTION (1925. 10. 29) Conservative: 116 Liberal: 99 Progressive: 24 Other 6 • According to these results which party should form the government? • Right…Arthur Meighen expected to be Prime Minister • But, the crafty politician Mackenzie King summons the support of the opposition and forms a coalition party, thus giving himself a majority…and control of the government. Look at it like this: • Government: 99 Opposition: 146 Minority: 47 • Who holds the majority from this perspective?

Byng-King Crisis • In 1925 the Liberals under Mackenzie King formed • • • government Liberals were caught in corruption scandal – King’s minority government suffers vote of non-confidence King asks Governor General Byng to call election Byng refuses and asks Meighen to be P. M. Meighen’s government only lasts 3 days before it falls to a vote of non-confidence as well During the election King accuses Byng of taking orders from London and ruling Canada like a colony.

What do you think? • Did Lord Byng overstep his role? – No, Byng was within his power to deny this request he felt it was in the best interests of all Canadians – Byng was trying to save the cost of an election if he could • Was King being honest about why Byng refused to grant him his wish for an election? – No. Byng refused to consult with London for the very reason it would appear that Canada was again being ruled as a colony • Why did Kings accusation appeal to Canadians? – King capitalized on Canadians newfound sense of nationalism and independence – Canadians were not going to tolerate taking orders from a British Lord, even if he was right!

Changes in Canadian Soceity • Jazz Age • Role of Women