November 2011 Assignments

This November, we'll focus on a number of ideas: Growth of Canadian Autonomy, Great Depression, but also internal division in Canada following the end of World War I and labour unrest, not just based on the Winnipeg Strike but also dissent in western Canada and the Maritimes.

What is Canada at the turn of the century? Is it Ontario and Quebec, two ethnically diverse "nations" within one nation with an extension, or an appendix in the east, the Maritimes, and an appendix in the west, western Canada? In a way, this is the heartland theory: Canada's central area, Ontario and Quebec, is based on the hinterland, the supply area that provides resources that are manufactured in the heartland and then shipped out to the world, mainly Europe.

It is still largely based on the principles of the National Policy, high tariffs to keep cheaper U.S. imports out and protect central Canada's industry. The consequences for the hinterland are dire. Poor rail transport to the Maritimes, high freight costs to western Canada and not a chance of free trade or relief on import taxes. Result: unrest and dissension.

This unit also looks at American attempts to bypass Canada's National Policy practices by establishing branch plants in Canada. What are the pros and cons of such endeavours for Canada in particular?

Finally, World War I also brought the first sense of prohibition. Alcohol as the demon. White Canadian soldiers would go to Europe to get drunk, something a WASP mother was unable to permit if at all possible and thus contribute to the temperance movement that would ultimately lead to prohibition. Grain for bread for the hungry soldiers was more important than grain for booze. And then there was the death toll from the casualty count. Young white soldiers had died in large numbers, necessitating the prohibition of alcohol, tobacco and initiating baby showers. Eugenics is also interesting here as it focuses on Canada.

These are some of the highlights for this month.

Schedule:

Nov 1: WWI Review Test. Inter-war Overview

Nov 3: Post-WW I dissent and the emergence of the Roaring Twenties

Nov 7: Autonomy: Class Work

Nov 9: Class Work

Nov 15: Essay on Autonomy Due. The Great Depression

Nov 17: Class work. Depression Readings Discussion

Nov 21: Class Work

Nov 23: Great Depression Poster Due. posters must be presented in class.

Nov 29: Review Test