CANADA HISTORY

A New Culture

The Roaring Twenties in Canada, much like in other parts of the world, was a period marked by tremendous social, economic, and technological change. It was an era of prosperity and optimism, fueled by the relief of surviving the horrors of World War I and the new opportunities created by a rapidly expanding economy. This decade can be compared to Europe after the first wave of the plague—when societies, having endured massive loss, celebrated life with fervor and embraced change. Canada’s experience in the 1920s was transformative in several ways, laying the groundwork for modern Canadian society, but it also carried within it the seeds of the devastating economic collapse that would come with the Great Depression.

Post-War Optimism and Economic Boom

The conclusion of the First World War brought a sense of relief and optimism to much of Canadian society. The loss of life during the war was immense, and for many, simply being alive was cause for celebration. The minor post-war recession was quickly replaced by a booming economy, and industries that had supported the war effort transitioned into peacetime production. Agriculture expanded as global demand for food grew, and Canada's abundant natural resources became the foundation for new industrial growth.

In cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, industries thrived. The demand for consumer goods skyrocketed, and companies expanded their operations to meet this demand. Technological advancements, particularly in manufacturing, made goods cheaper and more widely available. Jobs were plentiful, and wages were rising, giving Canadians more disposable income than ever before. This newfound wealth and prosperity fueled consumerism, which became a defining feature of the decade.

The Changing Role of Women

The First World War had brought women into the workforce in unprecedented numbers as they filled roles left vacant by men who had gone to fight. By the 1920s, many women were reluctant to return to the strictly domestic roles they had occupied before the war. Although women had won the right to vote in federal elections during the war, the 1920s saw further changes in gender roles. Technological advancements, such as electric appliances, revolutionized household work, freeing up women’s time and allowing them to engage in other activities, from politics to new employment opportunities.

This period also saw significant changes in fashion and social behavior for women. Hemlines rose, undergarments became less restrictive, and new fabrics like rayon replaced traditional materials. The "flapper" became a symbol of modern womanhood, characterized by short hair, bold fashion choices, and a carefree attitude toward social conventions. The cosmetics industry exploded, offering new products that allowed women to express their individuality and beauty in ways that were previously restricted. Women began smoking in public, drinking alcohol, and pushing back against the social restrictions that had long governed their lives.

Women also began to make significant inroads into professions previously dominated by men. They entered politics, business, journalism, and retail services in greater numbers, and the barriers between the sexes began to erode. This shift represented a profound transformation in Canadian society, as women demanded greater equality and opportunity, paving the way for future advances in women's rights.

The Communication Revolution: Radio and Film

Perhaps the greatest catalyst for change during the 1920s was the revolution in communications technology. The widespread availability of electricity brought new forms of media into Canadian homes. Radios became common household items, and families would gather to listen to news broadcasts, entertainment programs, and live sports. One of the most iconic radio programs of the era was Hockey Night in Canada, which began broadcasting in 1923 with Foster Hewitt calling the play-by-play. The radio made sports a national pastime, bringing communities together and creating shared cultural experiences.

Hollywood was another driving force in shaping the social values and tastes of Canadians. The film industry exploded during the 1920s, and movies became a dominant form of entertainment. Silent films gave way to talkies by the end of the decade, and Canadian audiences flocked to theaters to see the latest stars. The influence of Hollywood was profound, as movies portrayed new ways of dressing, behaving, and interacting with the world. This influence extended beyond the screen, as advertisements for products and lifestyles began to shape consumer desires.

The combination of radio and film created new opportunities for advertising. Businesses could now reach a national audience, promoting everything from household appliances to automobiles. The media became a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, and political campaigns began to rely on these new platforms to get their messages across. In many ways, the communication revolution of the 1920s laid the foundation for modern marketing, mass media, and political campaigning in Canada.

Sports, Leisure, and the Automobile

As Canadians found themselves with more disposable income and leisure time, sports and entertainment grew in popularity. The expansion of professional sports leagues and the rise of sports heroes like Babe Ruth in baseball or Lionel Conacher in Canadian football captured the public’s imagination. Hockey, in particular, became a national obsession, with games drawing large crowds and radio broadcasts of matches reaching homes across the country. Sports offered a way for Canadians to come together, cheer for their teams, and feel a sense of unity and national pride.

The automobile was another symbol of the newfound freedom and prosperity of the 1920s. By the late 1920s, one in two Canadian households owned a car. Henry Ford's Model T, which sold for about $400, made car ownership accessible to the middle class. The expansion of the road network, the proliferation of gas stations, and the development of tourism infrastructure allowed Canadians to travel farther and more easily than ever before. The car also facilitated the rise of suburbs, as people could now live farther from their workplaces in the city. This mobility had a profound impact on Canadian society, changing the way people lived, worked, and spent their leisure time.

The Role of Big Business and the Stock Market

The economic prosperity of the 1920s was largely fueled by the rise of big business. Companies like Imperial Oil, Massey-Harris, and Canadian Pacific dominated their respective industries, and business leaders were celebrated as heroes of the new era. The stock market boom made it seem like anyone could get rich by investing, and speculation became a national pastime. Many Canadians, not just the wealthy elite, began buying stocks, often with only a 10% down payment, leveraging themselves in the hope of quick profits.

This era of laissez-faire capitalism saw minimal government intervention in the economy. The prevailing belief was that free enterprise would continue to bring prosperity for all, and the cycle of boom and bust seemed to be a relic of the past. Marxist movements and labor unions, while still present, were largely overshadowed by the overwhelming success of big business and the optimism that prosperity would continue indefinitely.

However, beneath the surface, there were signs of instability. The rapid rise in stock prices was not always backed by real economic growth, and many investors were over-leveraged, setting the stage for a catastrophic collapse.

Canada and Prohibition

Another defining feature of the Roaring Twenties in Canada was its role as a supplier of illegal liquor to the United States, where Prohibition had been enacted in 1920. Although many provinces in Canada had restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol, the production and export of liquor to the U.S. became a booming business. Smugglers and rum-runners took advantage of the long, undefended border between the two countries to transport alcohol to thirsty Americans. This trade brought wealth to Canadian distillers and bootleggers but also contributed to the rise of organized crime.

The Crash of 1929 and the End of the Roaring Twenties

The optimism and excess of the 1920s came to a dramatic end in October 1929 with the Wall Street Crash. The stock market, which had been fueled by speculation and over-leveraging, collapsed, and the ripple effects were felt around the world, including in Canada. The economic boom that had seemed unstoppable was revealed to be built on unstable foundations, and the Great Depression ushered in a decade of hardship and struggle.

The Roaring Twenties had been a time of incredible transformation in Canada. The country had embraced modernity with enthusiasm, from the rise of women’s rights to the expansion of new technologies and industries. However, the excesses of the era, including unchecked capitalism and speculation, also exposed vulnerabilities that would come to the forefront in the 1930s. The crash of 1929 marked the end of an era of unprecedented growth and optimism, forcing Canadians to confront the stark realities of a world economy in crisis.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Roaring Twenties in Canada

The Roaring Twenties in Canada was a period of profound change that shaped the country in lasting ways. It was a time of optimism, technological progress, and social transformation, as Canadians embraced new ways of living, working, and interacting with the world. The expansion of industries, the rise of consumer culture, and the growing influence of women in public life were all hallmarks of the decade. However, the speculative bubble and economic disparities that fueled much of the era’s prosperity also led to the devastating collapse at the end of the decade, plunging the country into the hardships of the Great Depression.

Despite its dramatic conclusion, the legacy of the 1920s lives on in the modern fabric of Canadian society. The technological advancements, cultural shifts, and social progress of the era laid the foundation for the country's continued growth and development in the 20th century. The Roaring Twenties remain a reminder of both the potential and the peril of rapid change and unchecked optimism.