Unit 1 Research Questions

Advances in Medical Research and Public Health

During and after World War I, Canadian doctors and researchers made significant advancements in medical science, particularly in areas like surgery and infectious disease treatment. The Spanish Flu pandemic (1918-1919) also spurred improvements in public health policies.

• How did the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919 influence public health policies and medical research in Canada?
• What medical advancements were made in Canada during and after World War I, and how did these impact healthcare?

Development of Insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best (1921)

One of Canada’s most important scientific contributions during this period was the discovery of insulin by Dr. Frederick Banting, Charles Best, and their team in Toronto. This breakthrough revolutionized the treatment of diabetes globally.

• How did Frederick Banting and Charles Best’s discovery of insulin change the treatment of diabetes worldwide?
• What challenges did Banting and his team face during their research on insulin, and how did they overcome them?

Growth of Radio Broadcasting and Communication Technologies

The development of radio technology advanced rapidly during the 1920s, with radio stations beginning to broadcast across Canada. By the late 1920s, radio became a vital source of news, entertainment, and communication.

• How did the development of radio broadcasting impact Canadian society and culture during the 1920s?
• What were some of the technical challenges in establishing Canada’s early radio networks, and how were they resolved?

Improvements in Agricultural Technology and Mechanization

Technological advancements in farming, including the use of tractors and other mechanized equipment, significantly improved agricultural productivity, particularly in the Prairie provinces. This helped increase wheat production and efficiency in rural areas.

• How did the mechanization of farming, particularly the use of tractors, change agricultural practices in the Prairie provinces?
• What role did technological advancements in farming play in the expansion of wheat production in Canada during the 1920s?

Expansion of Hydroelectric Power

The development of hydroelectric power projects, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, transformed energy production in Canada. Major hydroelectric dams were built, providing a reliable source of electricity for industries and households.

• How did the development of hydroelectric power transform industry and daily life in Ontario and Quebec during this period?
• What were the environmental and economic impacts of major hydroelectric projects in Canada in the 1920s?

Growth of the Automobile Industry

The rise of the automobile industry during the 1920s, particularly in Ontario, brought advancements in manufacturing processes, such as assembly line production. This also led to innovations in road construction and infrastructure development.

• How did advancements in assembly line production and manufacturing techniques, pioneered by companies like Ford, influence the growth of the automobile industry in Canada?
• What innovations in road construction and infrastructure emerged as a result of the rise of automobile use in Canada?

Aviation Advances Post-WWI

After World War I, aviation technology advanced, and Canada began to explore civilian and commercial uses for aircraft. Bush flying became important in remote northern regions, aiding in the exploration and development of these areas.

• How did bush flying contribute to the exploration and development of remote areas in Canada after World War I?
• In what ways did Canada’s aviation industry benefit from technological advances made during World War I?

Expansion of Telephone Networks

The 1920s saw a rapid expansion of telephone networks, especially in urban areas. The increased accessibility of telephones helped improve communication and connected businesses and families across the country.

• How did the expansion of telephone networks change communication for Canadian businesses and households in the 1920s?
• What were some of the challenges in expanding telephone infrastructure in rural areas, and how were they addressed?

Development of Mining Technology

Canada’s mining industry grew significantly, especially in regions like Northern Ontario. New techniques in mining technology and safety were developed, helping to extract resources such as nickel, copper, and gold more efficiently.

• How did new mining technologies in the 1920s improve resource extraction in regions like Northern Ontario?
• What impact did advancements in mining technology have on worker safety and productivity in Canadian mines?

Advancements in Railway Technology

Railways remained a critical part of Canada’s infrastructure, and during this period, advancements were made in locomotive technology and the expansion of railway networks, which facilitated the transportation of goods and people across the country.

• How did advancements in locomotive technology and railway expansion shape Canada’s economy and transportation networks in the early 20th century?
• What were the regional impacts of railway expansion in Canada, particularly in terms of trade and settlement patterns?

Canada’s Role in World War I (1914-1918)

Canada, as part of the British Empire, automatically entered World War I in 1914. The country played a significant role on the Western Front, with over 600,000 Canadians serving in the war and pivotal battles like Vimy Ridge becoming defining moments.

• What were the key contributions of Canadian soldiers to pivotal battles such as Vimy Ridge during World War I, and how did these shape Canada’s international reputation?
• How did Canada’s involvement in World War I affect its political and military relationship with Britain?

Increased Autonomy from Britain (Statute of Westminster, 1931)

After World War I, Canada gradually moved towards greater autonomy from Britain. The signing of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 gave Canada and other dominions full control over their own foreign policies, although this process began in the 1920s.

• How did the events of the 1920s, including Canada’s participation in the League of Nations and Imperial Conferences, lead to the signing of the Statute of Westminster?
• What were the key milestones that demonstrated Canada’s increasing autonomy from Britain during the 1920s?

The Formation of the League of Nations (1919)

Following World War I, Canada became a founding member of the League of Nations. This was the first time Canada signed an international treaty as an independent nation, marking a step toward asserting its role in international diplomacy.

• What role did Canada play in the founding of the League of Nations, and how did this reflect its evolving status in international diplomacy?
• How did Canada’s participation in the League of Nations affect its foreign policy and relations with other member states?

Conscription Crisis of 1917

The introduction of conscription during World War I led to deep divisions within Canada, particularly between English-speaking Canadians, who generally supported conscription, and French-speaking Canadians, who opposed it. This had long-term effects on Canadian unity and relations between Quebec and the rest of the country.

• What were the main reasons behind the opposition to conscription in Quebec during World War I, and how did this issue affect Canadian unity?
• How did the Conscription Crisis of 1917 impact the relationship between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians?

Canada’s Contribution to the Paris Peace Conference (1919)

Canada participated in the Paris Peace Conference after World War I, where the Treaty of Versailles was negotiated. This was one of the first times Canada had a separate seat at an international negotiation, reflecting its growing independence from Britain.

• How did Canada’s participation in the Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles reflect its growing independence in international affairs?
• What were Canada’s key contributions and positions during the negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference?

Immigration Policies and Relations with Europe and Asia

After World War I, Canada’s immigration policies became more restrictive, especially toward people from non-European countries. This was partly due to fears of economic instability and the desire to protect jobs for returning soldiers. Relations with countries like China and Japan were affected by these policies.

• How did Canada’s immigration policies in the 1920s reflect post-war economic concerns and attitudes toward non-European immigrants?
• What were the impacts of Canada’s restrictive immigration policies on its diplomatic relations with countries like China and Japan?

Imperial War Conferences and Increased Canadian Voice (1917-1918)

During World War I, Canada played a more prominent role in the Imperial War Conferences, advocating for a stronger voice in imperial affairs. These meetings laid the groundwork for Canada’s growing diplomatic independence from Britain in the post-war years.

• How did Canada’s participation in the Imperial War Conferences during World War I influence its role within the British Empire?
• What were the long-term effects of Canada’s push for a greater voice in imperial affairs at the Imperial War Conferences?

Canada’s Role in International Trade Agreements

As Canada’s economy grew, especially in natural resources like wheat, timber, and minerals, international trade became a key focus. Trade relations with countries like the United States and Britain were vital to Canada’s post-war recovery, and new trade agreements were formed.

• How did international trade agreements in the 1920s affect Canada’s economic growth and its trade relationships with Britain and the United States?
• What role did Canada’s natural resource exports, such as wheat and timber, play in shaping its international trade policies during the 1920s?

Relations with the United States

Throughout the 1920s, Canada’s economic and political relationship with the United States deepened. The U.S. became Canada’s largest trading partner, and there were increasing discussions about shared interests in areas like border security, resources, and trade policies.

• How did the economic relationship between Canada and the United States change during the 1920s, and what factors contributed to this shift?
• In what ways did shared interests in areas like trade, security, and resources influence Canada’s political and diplomatic relations with the United States?

Post-War Economic and Military Support to Britain

Following World War I, Canada continued to provide economic and military support to Britain, but there was growing public debate about the extent of Canada’s involvement in British imperial affairs. This reflected a shift in Canadian attitudes toward independence in international relations.

• What were the economic and military contributions Canada made to Britain after World War I, and how did this support impact Canada’s own economy?
• How did public opinion in Canada regarding support for Britain shift after World War I, and what factors contributed to this change?

Women’s Suffrage and the Rise of Women’s Rights

During and after World War I, the push for women’s suffrage gained momentum. This was part of a larger movement for gender equality, which also included access to education and employment opportunities. Women won the right to vote in federal elections in 1918, and in many provinces.

• How did the contributions of Canadian women during World War I influence the movement for women’s suffrage?
• What were the key arguments for and against women’s right to vote in Canada, and how did different provinces respond?

The Conscription Crisis of 1917 and Divisions Between English and French Canadians

The introduction of conscription during World War I led to deep divisions between English-speaking Canadians, who mostly supported the war effort, and French- speaking Canadians, who largely opposed it. This strained national unity and deepened linguistic and cultural divides.

• What were the main reasons behind the opposition to conscription in Quebec during World War I, and how did this issue affect national unity?
• How did Prime Minister Robert Borden’s government address the divisions caused by the Conscription Crisis of 1917?

Post-War Labour Movements and Strikes

After World War I, Canada experienced significant labour unrest as workers demanded better wages, working conditions, and the right to organize. The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was a defining event in this period, reflecting broader tensions between workers and business owners.

• What were the causes and outcomes of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, and how did it reflect broader labour issues in Canada?
• How did post-war labour movements influence government policies on workers’ rights and unionization in the 1920s?

Prohibition Movement and Its Repeal

The temperance movement gained strength during World War I, leading to the introduction of prohibition laws in many provinces. By the late 1920s, however, the movement lost steam, and prohibition was repealed as provinces opted for government-controlled alcohol sales.

• What were the main reasons for the introduction of prohibition in Canada during World War I, and how did different provinces enforce these laws?
• Why was prohibition repealed by the late 1920s, and what were the effects of this decision on Canadian society and the economy?

Immigration Restrictions and Xenophobia

In the years after World War I, Canada implemented more restrictive immigration policies, particularly against non-European immigrants. This reflected broader xenophobic attitudes and fears of economic instability, which were exacerbated by the influx of returning soldiers looking for jobs.

• How did Canada’s immigration policies change after World War I, and what were the main factors driving the more restrictive measures?
• How did xenophobia and fears about job competition for returning soldiers shape public opinion and government policies on immigration?

The Rise of Canadian National Identity

The experiences of World War I, especially battles like Vimy Ridge, helped foster a sense of Canadian national identity. This was further strengthened by Canada’s increasing autonomy from Britain, reflected in the country’s growing role on the international stage.

• How did Canada’s participation in World War I, particularly at battles like Vimy Ridge, contribute to the development of a distinct Canadian national identity?
• In what ways did Canada’s increasing independence from Britain in the 1920s strengthen a sense of national identity among Canadians?

Expansion of Education and Public School Systems

The early 20th century saw significant expansion in public education across Canada. Provincial governments invested in building schools, training teachers, and making education more accessible, particularly in rural areas.

• How did the expansion of public education in the early 20th century help to shape Canadian society, particularly in rural areas?
• What were some of the challenges faced by provincial governments in providing education to all regions of Canada during this period?

First Nations and the Residential School System

During this period, the residential school system for Indigenous peoples continued to expand. These schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into European- Canadian culture, often through harsh and traumatic methods, leading to significant long-term consequences for Indigenous communities.

• How did the residential school system impact Indigenous communities in Canada during the early 20th century, and what were the conditions in these schools?
• How did Canadian government policies regarding Indigenous peoples, particularly through the residential school system, reflect broader attitudes toward assimilation?

Urbanization and Housing Challenges

The post-war period saw rapid urbanization in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, leading to significant housing shortages and poor living conditions for many people. This also contributed to changes in urban planning and infrastructure development.

• How did rapid urbanization in Canadian cities after World War I create housing shortages, and what solutions did governments propose to address these issues?
• How did urbanization change the social and economic landscape of cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver during the 1920s?

Technological Changes and Social Life

The rise of new technologies, such as the automobile, radio, and household appliances, had a significant impact on Canadian society. These changes affected daily life, work, and leisure, creating new consumer cultures and transforming urban and rural life.

• How did the rise of new technologies like the automobile and radio transform daily life and leisure in both urban and rural Canada during the 1920s?
• In what ways did technological advances influence the development of consumer culture and the economy in Canada during the 1920s?

The Rise of the Group of Seven (1920s)

The Group of Seven, a collective of Canadian landscape painters, became known for their depictions of the rugged Canadian wilderness. Their work contributed to the emergence of a distinct Canadian artistic identity and had a lasting impact on the nation’s visual arts scene.

• How did the Group of Seven’s approach to landscape painting differ from other artistic movements of the time, and what themes did they emphasize in their work?
• How did the Group of Seven influence Canadian national identity, and how were their works received by the public and critics in the 1920s?

Growth of Canadian Literature

During this period, Canadian writers began to explore themes related to Canadian identity, nature, and the immigrant experience. Authors such as Mazo de la Roche and Lucy Maud Montgomery gained national and international attention for their works.

• How did Mazo de la Roche and Lucy Maud Montgomery contribute to the development of Canadian literature, and what themes were central to their works?
• In what ways did Canadian writers of the 1920s explore themes of national identity, nature, and the immigrant experience in their novels and short stories?

The Expansion of Canadian Theatre

The 1920s saw the growth of Canadian theatre, with new plays and performances reflecting Canadian life and issues. Both amateur and professional theatre groups began to flourish in urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

• What were some of the major theatrical productions in Canada during the 1920s, and how did they reflect Canadian social and political issues of the time?
• How did Canadian theatre evolve during this period, and what role did urban centers like Toronto and Montreal play in fostering new talent and performances?

Development of Canadian Music

Canadian composers and musicians began to explore new forms of expression, blending European traditions with Canadian themes. Organizations like the Canadian Opera Company were established, and classical music became more prominent in Canadian cultural life.

• How did Canadian composers and musicians blend European traditions with Canadian themes in their work during the early 20th century?
• What role did institutions like the Canadian Opera Company play in promoting classical music in Canada during the 1920s?

The Rise of Radio and Mass Media

The 1920s marked the beginning of widespread radio broadcasting in Canada. Radio stations became important cultural hubs, offering news, entertainment, and music to listeners across the country. This new form of mass media connected Canadians from different regions and fostered a shared cultural experience.

• How did the development of radio broadcasting in the 1920s change the way Canadians accessed news and entertainment, and how did it shape national culture?
• What were the challenges in establishing a national radio network in Canada, and how did it impact communication and culture across different regions?

Proliferation of Film and Cinema

The popularity of film grew rapidly in Canada during the 1920s. Although the Canadian film industry was relatively small compared to Hollywood, movie theatres became popular in cities and towns, and Canadian filmmakers began producing early silent films.

• How did the growth of the film industry in the 1920s influence Canadian culture, and what types of films were popular in Canada during this period?
• What were some of the challenges faced by Canadian filmmakers in competing with Hollywood during the 1920s, and how did they reflect Canadian themes in their films?

Folk Art and Cultural Traditions

In rural areas and among immigrant communities, folk art and traditional crafts remained vital. Quilting, carving, and storytelling reflected Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, particularly among Indigenous peoples and immigrant groups.

• How did folk art and traditional crafts help preserve cultural heritage among Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities in Canada during this period?
• In what ways did rural communities and immigrant groups contribute to the diversity of Canadian folk art and crafts during the early 20th century?

Post-War Commemoration and Memorial Art

In the aftermath of World War I, many Canadian artists and architects were involved in creating war memorials and public monuments to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers. This period saw the construction of cenotaphs and other public art pieces in cities and towns across the country.

• How did Canadian artists and architects contribute to the creation of war memorials and monuments after World War I, and what symbolism was used in these works?
• What were some of the key public memorials built in Canada after World War I, and how did they reflect the nation’s commemoration of its soldiers?

Cultural Nationalism and Identity Building

Artists, writers, and intellectuals in Canada increasingly sought to define and express a uniquely Canadian identity. Through visual arts, literature, and public discourse, there was a focus on celebrating the landscape, history, and people of Canada, contributing to a sense of cultural nationalism.

• How did Canadian artists, writers, and intellectuals of the 1920s work to define a uniquely Canadian identity through their art and literature?
• What role did the concept of cultural nationalism play in shaping artistic movements and public discourse in Canada during this period?

Emergence of Jazz and Popular Music

The 1920s saw the rise of jazz and other forms of popular music in Canada, particularly in urban centers. This reflected broader international cultural trends, with Canadian musicians and audiences embracing the energy and innovation of jazz and dance music.

• How did jazz and other forms of popular music gain popularity in Canada during the 1920s, and what role did urban centers like Toronto and Montreal play in this movement?
• In what ways did Canadian musicians and audiences contribute to the global jazz movement, and how was jazz received by different social groups in Canada?

Frederick Banting – Medicine (discovered insulin)

Charles Best – Medicine (co-discovered insulin)

Arthur Currie – Military (Commander of Canadian Corps in WWI)

Billy Bishop – Military (WWI fighter ace)

Lucy Maud Montgomery – Literature (author of Anne of Green Gables)

Emily Carr – Art (painter known for works depicting Indigenous culture and Canadian landscapes)

A.Y. Jackson – Art (member of the Group of Seven)

Lawren Harris – Art (founding member of the Group of Seven)

J.E.H. MacDonald – Art (founding member of the Group of Seven)

Tom Thomson – Art (landscape painter, precursor to the Group of Seven)

J.S. Woodsworth – Politics (social reformer, founder of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), precursor to the NDP)

Robert Borden – Politics (Prime Minister of Canada during WWI)

Mackenzie King – Politics (Prime Minister of Canada, 1921-1926)

Agnes Macphail – Politics (first woman elected to the Canadian Parliament)

Henri Bourassa – Politics/Journalism (leader of French-Canadian nationalism, opposed conscription)

Nellie McClung – Women’s Rights (suffragist and social reformer)

Emily Murphy – Law/Women’s Rights (first female magistrate in the British Empire, part of the “Famous Five”)

Irene Parlby – Politics/Women’s Rights (member of the “Famous Five”, advocate for rural women’s rights)

Henrietta Muir Edwards – Women’s Rights (part of the “Famous Five”, women’s rights activist)

Louise McKinney – Women’s Rights (part of the “Famous Five”, first woman sworn into the Alberta legislature)

Mary Pickford – Film (silent film star, co-founder of United Artists)

Lionel Conacher – Sports (multi-sport athlete, football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball)

Percy Williams – Sports (Olympic gold medalist in track and field)

Tom Longboat – Sports (Indigenous long-distance runner, marathon champion)

Stephen Leacock – Literature (humorist and author of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town)

Graham Spry – Media/Journalism (pioneer of Canadian broadcasting)

Arthur Meighen – Politics (Prime Minister of Canada, 1920-1921, 1926)

Sam Hughes – Military/Politics (Minister of Militia and Defence during WWI)

Fanny Rosenfeld – Sports (Olympic athlete, “Canada’s Female Athlete of the First Half-Century”)

Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) – Conservation (conservationist and author, known for promoting Indigenous perspectives on environmentalism, posed as indigenous person)

John McCrae – Literature/Military (author of the war poem In Flanders Fields)

Nora Clench – Music (violinist, renowned in both Canada and Europe)

Mazo de la Roche – Literature (author of the Jalna series)

Sir Ernest MacMillan – Music (composer and conductor, major figure in Canadian classical music)

Clarence Decatur Howe – Politics/Engineering (prominent public servant and engineer)

Cairine Wilson – Politics (first female senator in Canada, appointed in 1930)

John Diefenbaker – Politics (future Prime Minister, active in provincial politics in the 1920s)

George P. Vanier – Military (WWI hero and future Governor General of Canada)

Gustave Lanctôt – History (historian, expert on New France and Canadian history)

Armand Lavergne – Politics (French-Canadian nationalist, lawyer, and politician)

Mona Parsons – Resistance/War Hero (only Canadian woman imprisoned by the Nazis during WWII, though her early life was rooted in the arts in this period)

Foster Hewitt – Sports Broadcasting (pioneering hockey broadcaster, famous for Hockey Night in Canada)

Vincent Massey – Diplomacy/Politics (Canada’s first native-born Governor General, active in the arts and politics in the 1920s)

Wilfrid “Wop” May – Aviation (WWI ace and pioneering bush pilot)

Charlotte Whitton – Social Work (social reformer, first woman mayor of a major Canadian city – Ottawa)

William Lyon Mackenzie King – Politics (Prime Minister of Canada, active in labour relations and Canadian autonomy during the 1920s)

Albert Johnson Walker – Crime (infamous for financial crimes, became a fugitive in the 1990s but gained notoriety in early life for shady dealings)

Ernest Rutherford – Science (pioneering physicist, although his Nobel-winning research took place before WWI, his legacy in atomic theory continued in this period)

Arthur Lismer – Art (founding member of the Group of Seven, arts educator)

Frances Loring – Sculpture (prominent Canadian sculptor, created public art in the post-war period)