Despite the widespread feeling of excess and indulgence, the Roaring Twenties in Canada might not be as straightforward as they seem at first glance. Poor country’s economic condition, inequality among the population, and regional and worldwide underrepresentation are associated with Canada after World War I. Nevertheless, considering technological and economic advances, women’s emancipation, and a surge in governmental activity, the Twenties can indeed be considered roaring.
The early 1920s in Canada were marked by a severe economic slump due to high inflation and an after-war workforce surplus. Yet, circumstances began to change due to significant investments from the U.S.1 While manufacturing and natural resource extraction both saw significant growth, wheat continued to be a significant part of Canadian exports.2 In this context, mining had registered a boom, kickstarting record volumes of various metals production.
Due to the economy’s improvement, many Canadians could now afford more luxury and free time. However, the Canadian social life of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a struggle for some populations, for instance, women. They received lower wages and were also barred from politics, which was only resolved by the end of the decade.3 Nevertheless, an overall active social life resulted in the solidification of Canadian identity.
Canadian politics during that time registered a surge in activity, both domestic and international. On the one hand, regionalism – increased attention to individual local issues – became more prominent.4 On the other hand, Canada ventured into the world by participating in the Paris Peace Conference and the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. Furthermore, Canada persisted in advocating for more independence from Britain.
Overall, despite the poor start, the end of the Roaring Twenties reflects numerous positive changes Canada underwent during the decade. The export was rising, with wheat becoming less of a crucial part of it. The Canadian identity solidified in society, along with resolutions of several social issues, such as women’s representation. Finally, Canada stopped being a mere Britain follower, displaying active and independent political action.
Bibliography
- Deaton, B. James, and Chad Lawley, “A Survey of Literature Examining Farmland Prices: A Canadian Focus,” Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue Canadienne D’agroeconomie 70 no. 2 (2022): 112.
- Aparicio, Gema and Vicente Pinilla, “International Trade in Wheat and Other Cereals and the Collapse of the First Wave of Globalization, 1900–38,” Journal of Global History 14, no. 1 (2019): 55.
- Oliver, Peter, “Enduring Metaphors: The Persons Case and the Living Tree, Queen’s Law Journal(2022): 6.
- Souchen, Alex, “Canada 1919: A Nation Shaped by War ed. by Tim Cook and JL Granatstein,” The Canadian Historical Review, 102 no. 3 (2021): 518.