The transition period

1. The transition period End of War to the Roaring 20’s

2. The End of War Happenings + Note worthy information • When veterans returned home, they didn’t find that jobs were available and working conditions were very poor • The idea of a “union” is born to fight on behalf of all workers (labourers) • Many(conservatives) blamed the immigrants from Russia for this revolutionary idea (collective bargaining and ideas of socialism) • “Bolsheviks”– Russian group who believed in ideas of fairness and rights

3. The Winnipeg Strike -While Racism against immigrants grew due to these new revolutionary ideas of striking, refusing to work until better arrangements were made, 3 large factories in Winnipeg, walked off their job in protest of better wages and conditions

4. The General Strike--- May 1919 30 000 workers Across Canada, all workers joined as the days went on Mayor of Winnepeg banned all parades and official street protests.

5. June 21st 1919 • Angry strikers filled the streets of downtown Winnipeg • It was violent – called “Bloody Saturday” • Overturned street cars • Mounties /RCMP’s called in to break it up

6. Another Hiccup: The Spanish Flu (1918-19) -Deadly Influenza hit much of the Eastern Coast. Came with the soldiers and passed on to Canadians- it killed 20 million people total, 50, 000 of the causalities were Canadians Much of the Aboriginal population and Reserves were affected

7. On the Eve of the 20’s -Canadians looking forward to new decade Wanting to leave memories of the Great War, The Halifax Explosion • Laurier dies and William Lyon McKenzie becomes the new liberal leader (1919) • Borden retires in 1920 • Canada looks forward to a new promising era, manufacturing is taking off, money is being made, wealth is imminent

8. Conflict in the 20’s McKenzie knows that Canada has earned a seat in the League of Nations (1919) Defining Moment for Canada– we are to be taken seriously and not a player in Britain’s game Britain is at war with Turkey, Alliance system should come into play– McKenzie makes it clear that Canada will not fulfill its so called “duty” Does not support Britain, wants more independence for Canada

9. Defining Moments for Canada in the 1920’s Canada gets our own flag in 1924 Red Ensign replaces the union jack The flag we know today did not become our official flag until 1965

10. Defining Moments for Canada in the 1920’s The King-Byng Crisis (1926) Balfour Report (1926) • Governor General of Canada refuses McKenzie to hold an election– he appoints the conservative leader (opposing party) as Prime Minister (Arthur Meighan) • Canada sees this as Britain interfering with our affairs • The election is held anyway and the people vote the Conservatives out and the Liberals back in (McKenzie) • Balfour is a former British PM that proposes independence for once colonies of Britain • Canada is on the list! • In 1931– Canada’s government becomes independent from Britain • Idea of Independence (almost)

11. Canadian Conflict: The Labrador Dispute (1927) - Canada and New Foundland are disagreeing about the boundary of Labrador -Both are colonies under Britain -Britain still assisted in helping draw the official boundary Quebec’s View on Labrador Newfoundland’s View

12. Canadian Conflict: Immigration Europe struggling to regain their footing after WW1 Many immigrants were buying tickets to come to Canada via boat -Economy was booming -Mining and Lumber jobs were plentiful • Immigration preferences were for “white” migrants from Britain and certain “desirable parts” of Europe and the USA • Racist policies existed and people of colour were not allowed • Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 in Canada banned any new Chinese immigrants • A 1928 law limited Japanese immigration to just 150 people

13. Video: The Chinese Head Tax • The Background of the Chinese in the USA and Canada- Posted in class blog http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akC_XNlYeec -The Canadian perspective http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx4H6di3LsE