Unit 2 Research Questions

Economic & Demographic Trends

The Great Depression and Economic Collapse (1930-1939)

Canada was severely affected by the Great Depression, with widespread unemployment, bank failures, and poverty. This period saw a collapse in the demand for Canadian exports like wheat, lumber, and minerals, particularly affecting the Prairie provinces.

  • How did the collapse of global markets during the Great Depression affect Canadian industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing?
  • What were the social and economic effects of widespread unemployment on Canadian families and communities during the 1930s?

Government Relief Programs and Public Works (1930s)

In response to the economic hardship of the Depression, the Canadian government introduced relief programs such as work camps, direct relief payments, and large public works projects like the construction of roads and infrastructure to provide employment and economic stimulation.

  • What types of government relief programs were introduced in Canada during the Great Depression, and how effective were they in addressing unemployment and poverty?
  • How did large public works projects, such as road and infrastructure construction, help alleviate economic hardship during the Depression?

Drought and Agricultural Decline in the Prairies

The Prairies were hit particularly hard by the Depression due to a severe drought that devastated wheat crops. Many farmers lost their livelihoods, leading to mass migration and economic decline in the region.

  • How did the drought of the 1930s in the Prairie provinces exacerbate the economic impact of the Great Depression for Canadian farmers?
  • What were some of the strategies employed by Prairie farmers to survive the agricultural decline, and how did the Canadian government assist them?

The Rise of Organized Labour and Workers’ Rights

The economic difficulties of the Depression led to increased labour unrest, with workers demanding better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize. The rise of unions such as the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and strikes in key industries reflected this growing movement.

  • How did the economic challenges of the Great Depression lead to the growth of the labour movement in Canada, and what key strikes or protests occurred during this time?
  • How did the creation of unions like the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) impact working conditions and workers’ rights in Canada?

World War II and Economic Recovery (1939-1945)

The outbreak of World War II led to a rapid recovery of the Canadian economy as the country became a major supplier of war materials and food for the Allies. Industrial production boomed, and unemployment dropped significantly as men and women entered the workforce to support the war effort.

  • How did World War II contribute to Canada’s economic recovery after the Depression, and what were some key industries that saw growth during the war?
  • In what ways did the war effort create new job opportunities for Canadians, and how did this change the structure of the labour market?

Wartime Industrial Expansion and the Development of Manufacturing

Canada’s industrial base expanded significantly during World War II, particularly in Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec). The production of munitions, aircraft, and vehicles became key economic drivers, and this industrial capacity continued to benefit the economy after the war.

  • What industries in Central Canada (Ontario and Quebec) grew the most during World War II, and how did they contribute to the Allied war effort?
  • How did the industrial expansion during World War II influence Canada’s post- war economy, particularly in manufacturing and production?

Rationing and Government Control of the Economy (WWII)

To support the war effort, the Canadian government implemented strict rationing and price controls on goods such as food, fuel, and clothing. The Wartime Prices and Trade Board regulated these efforts, and the government took a more active role in managing the economy.

  • How did rationing affect daily life in Canada during World War II, and what role did the Wartime Prices and Trade Board play in managing resources?
  • What were some of the challenges and benefits of the Canadian government’s increased control over the economy during the war?

Impact of the Depression and War on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Communities

The economic struggles of the Depression and wartime displacement affected Indigenous communities severely. First Nations reserves, particularly in the West, faced poverty and limited access to government relief programs. The economic recovery during the war did not equally benefit these communities, who remained marginalized.

  • How did the Great Depression impact First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities differently from non-Indigenous Canadians, and what barriers did they face in accessing government relief programs?
  • How were Indigenous communities affected by World War II, both economically and socially, and what role did Indigenous soldiers play in the war effort?

The Stoney Nakoda’s Fight Against Economic Marginalization (1930s-1940s)

The Stoney Nakoda, a First Nations group in Alberta, faced economic hardships during the Depression as traditional livelihoods were restricted by government policies. They resisted through legal and political action to assert their land and resource rights, which were central to their economic survival.

  • What legal and political actions did the Stoney Nakoda people take during the 1930s and 1940s to resist government policies and assert their economic rights?
  • How did the economic policies of the 1930s contribute to the marginalization of the Stoney Nakoda, and what were some of the long-term effects on their community?

Women’s Entry into the Workforce During WWII

As men went off to war, Canadian women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers, particularly in manufacturing and services. This shift not only contributed to the wartime economy but also challenged traditional gender roles, laying the groundwork for future changes in the labour market.

  • How did World War II create new job opportunities for Canadian women, and what industries saw the greatest increase in female workers during this time?
  • In what ways did the increased presence of women in the workforce during World War II challenge traditional gender roles in Canadian society?